Nationwide ban on movement of cattle as foot-and-mouth outbreak escalates
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was first detected in the Mtubatuba area of KZN, and in Limpopo earlier this year
IN an effort to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza has suspended all movement of cattle in the country.
This means cattle may not be moved from one property to another for any reason for a period of 21 days, reviewable weekly.
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Didiza said South Africa is experiencing 116 outbreaks of FMD, involving farms, feedlots and communal areas in KZN, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
She said, despite efforts made by farmers, communities and industries to curb illegal movements of animals from known positive areas, the disease continues to spread, with 15 new properties and two new provinces affected in the last two weeks alone.
“The ban will be declared in the Government Gazette. Any disregard for the movement ban is a criminal offence,” said Didiza.
“The exception will only be upon veterinary permit for cattle for direct slaughter at registered abattoirs and slaughter for ritual purposes.
“Cattle that are already at shows, auctions and en route to the republic will be given 48 hours to apply for permits to move to their final destination.
“The local State veterinary office should be contacted for these permits,” said the minister.
The ban is applicable only to cattle, as the movement of these animals was identified as the main cause of the continued spread of the disease.
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