Beef industry challenges in spotlight

KZN’s cattle population is in peril, with the outbreak of tick-borne diseases and persistent foot and mouth disease threatening the beef industry while crippling the local rural farmers’ economy.

This was revealed by Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa during a handing over of dipping chemicals to rural livestock farmers in Dondotha on Friday.

According to the department, more than 60 000 cattle have succumbed to diseases such as red water, heartwater and anaplasmosis in KZN.

Nationally, these diseases are accountable for an estimated 15% drop in beef production, exacerbating economic strain on farmers and disrupting the supply chain to retailers.

Reacting to the spread, MEC Madlopha-Mthethwa said the most sought-after chemical, acaricides, would be distributed across all 11 districts.

“These measures enhance primary animal health, productivity and husbandry.

“Dipping remains one of the most effective ways to prevent tick-borne diseases,” said Madlopha-Mthethwa.

Welcoming the assistance after losing seven cattle, Phumzile Phungula of the Kwashibilika area in Dondotha said, as an unemployed individual, crop, goats and cattle farming remained the only source of income.

“I am grateful that we were given this opportunity to have our cattle vaccinated. I love farming, and it pains me to lose livestock because of diseases,” said Phungula.

Dondotha Dip Farmers chairperson Bhekukwenza Mdletshe called on the department to bring a market to auction and sell their livestock.

His plea was in line with the fact that Zululand, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude districts are still under restriction, forcing farmers to trade their livestock beyond their districts.

Having intervened on several occasions, uMfolozi Mayor Xolani Bhengu said the initiative came at the right time.

“We appreciate the speed with which the MEC answered our call on behalf of uMfolozi farmers. They have been asking for this kind of assistance as their livestock is slowly succumbing to diseases and the water shortage,” said Bhengu.

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