AGRICULTURE Minister John Steenhuisen has directed his department to urgently give attention to a much-needed action plan and steps to ensure inroads are made to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in KZN.

During his recent visit to the province, many farmers and community leaders sought clarification on the current situation, expressing concerns that the department is not effectively addressing the outbreak.

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“This lack of sufficient action is jeopardising farmers’ livelihoods, the agricultural industry and the economy. “This needs to stop immediately,” said Steenhuisen.

KZN has been grappling with 147 active FMD cases and, despite ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture, new infections emerged outside designated Disease Management Areas (DMA).

These areas were declared in 2021 when an outbreak of the South African Territories 2 (SAT2) FMD strain first emerged in the province.

Last month, Steenhuisen was forced to extend the boundaries of the DMA in his attempts to curb further spread of the virus.

“The reports we continue to receive from KZN regarding the persistent, and in some cases, expanding foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks are of great concern. This, with the slow progress in strengthening our national biosecurity and acquiring vital vaccines, presents significant risks that this government views with serious concern.

“I have directed the department to identify and lift every single impediment standing in the way of vaccines being delivered promptly,” he explained.

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Steenhuisen instructed the department to contact law enforcement agencies to prioritise and assist with roadblocks and management of movement of animals.

“We need to focus on the prioritisation of alternative sites for the sale of livestock, as well as the identification of abattoirs within the DMA to provide an alternative for farmers within the DMA.

Procurement and provision of enough vaccines to meet the demand for a comprehensive vaccine roll-out; to explore mechanisms to declare a state of disaster within the province, and to monitor the implementation of the permit system,” said Steenhuisen.

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