The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak sweeping through Northern KwaZulu-Natal has reached a critical stage, with desperate farmers warning that their livelihoods – and the wider agricultural economy – are now at risk.

Farmers say crisis is being ignored

Chairman of the Dundee & District Farmers Union, Andrew Adams, said the situation has been deteriorating for months and is now inflicting severe damage on the industry.

“It’s been a crisis for six months already. The poisonous fruit of this crisis is now dropping – and it’s going to affect everyone,” he warned.

Adams said some farmers are now considering drastic action to force national government and veterinary authorities to intervene.
“Farmers are talking about blocking national roads to get the attention of national government and national veterinary departments. Hiding KwaZulu-Natal in a corner and digging your head in the sand does not solve the problem.”

He added that the crisis is unfolding at a time when beef prices, locally and internationally, are at historic highs.

“Even though Foot and Mouth protocols are moving faster than they did five years ago, we are reaching a very serious point. Farmers must now decide whether their survival is less important than the ridiculous conditions of sale set by the National Veterinary Services.”

Adams further criticised what he described as indifference from decision-makers.

“It feels as though the Northern Natal farmer is of no consequence to national government. We were almost relieved when the largest feedlots in South Africa also tested positive – hoping it might finally be treated as a national crisis. But it seems that, as the saying goes: All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

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