Foot and mouth disease campaign focuses on Ugu District
The MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the livestock sector and safeguarding livelihoods that depend on agriculture.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, recently led a provincial Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) awareness blitz and stakeholder engagement. The team started with a roadblock at the Oribi Toll Plaza, then proceeded with engagements at the Ugu Sport and Leisure Centre.
The operation focused on preventing the illegal transportation of livestock and animal products, which remains a key driver in the spread of the disease.
Shinga emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the livestock sector and safeguarding livelihoods that depend on agriculture.
She reiterated government’s commitment to working closely with communities, farmers and industry stakeholders to contain the outbreak.
The engagement was attended by farmers, livestock owners, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies and representatives from relevant government departments.
During the engagement, stakeholders received presentations on the provincial and district FMD status, ongoing government interventions, biosecurity protocols and enforcement measures.
The session also provided a platform for stakeholders to raise concerns, share experiences and strengthen coordination in the fight against the disease.
Shinga called for strengthened collaboration between government and stakeholders, urging strict adherence to biosecurity measures and animal movement regulations.
She concluded that controlling FMD is critical to protecting food security, rural livelihoods and the provincial economy.
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