Newcastle CPF issues urgent FMD warning
The CPF's Sandile Mdluli warned that Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.
A spike in cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has raised serious concerns for the local agricultural economy, prompting the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) to urge livestock owners to immediately implement the stringent measures aimed at controlling the outbreak.
The CPF’s Sandile Mdluli warned that Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.
“We urge all members of our community to take immediate precautions to prevent the spread of this disease and protect our livestock.”
Precautions to take:
1. Avoid contact with infected animals or their products.
2. Practice good biosecurity measures on your farms and when visiting agricultural areas.
3. Ensure proper disinfection of vehicles, equipment, and clothing that may come into contact with infected animals.
4. Report any signs of illness in livestock to veterinary authorities immediately.
Symptoms to look out for in livestock:
– Fever
– Blister-like sores on the mouth, nose, and hooves
– Lameness and reluctance to move
– Drooling or foaming at the mouth
– Loss of appetite
– Sudden drop in milk production (in dairy cattle)
If you suspect that your animals may be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease, please contact a veterinarian or local animal health authorities promptly.
Early detection is crucial in containing the spread of the disease.
“Let us all work together to protect our livestock and safeguard the agricultural community in Newcastle. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together we can overcome this challenge.”
