EC farms quarantined, over 26 000 cattle vaccinated against FMD

By Octavia Avesca Spandiel | 26 July 2024 | 5:30 am

In a bid to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and address farmer concerns, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe met with commercial and communal farmers in Kouga Municipality on Monday.

Foot-and-mouth disease has impacted farms in Kouga Municipality and Buffalo City Metro. Since late April, 16 out of 98 inspected farms have tested positive. Photo: FW Archive

The viral disease has impacted farms in both Kouga Municipality and the Buffalo City area. Since the outbreak began in late April, 16 out of 98 inspected farms have tested positive: 14 in Kouga and two in Buffalo City.

To mitigate the spread, over 26 000 cattle have been vaccinated in these areas, and movement restrictions have been implemented across affected regions.

Farmers seek relief

Kontsiwe said: “Were here to encourage the farmers and assure them that the department will support them. Since the outbreak, our department veterinarians have been on site assisting with measures to prevent animal movement and the spread of the disease. Most affected farms are quarantined to prevent further infection.”

Kontsiwe further acknowledged the economic impact on farmers, particularly those whose livestock were ready for export.

“We understand this is a frustrating time, especially with lost export opportunities. However, the veterinarians are confident of recovery, although it will take time for milk production to return to optimal levels.”

The MEC emphasised that culling cattle is not an option. “The vets are professionals, and there’s no reason for culling. While affected animals may not eat for a day or two initially, they will recover. We are guaranteeing the work of our vets and hope things will return to normal soon,” she said.

Zilindile Blouw, a dairy farmer from Humansdorp with over 570 cattle, expressed his concern.

“The outbreak began in April but only reached our farm in June. Of our 294 milking cows, 161 have been affected. We urgently need assistance with vaccinations, special feed for the affected animals, and other resources.”

Blouw has already spent over R250 000 on medication to manage the symptoms.

Containment efforts ongoing

Meanwhile, Dr Cebisa Mnqeta, chief director of veterinary services for the Eastern Cape Province, provided an on the situation.

“We’ve categorised the outbreak into two events. One in Buffalo City appears contained, while the Humansdorp event remains active. We’re struggling to contain the infection, but the declaration of a disease management area will hopefully strengthen our control over animal movement.”

Mnqeta acknowledged the limitations. “There’s no permanent solution for FMD. The Kruger National Park acts as a reservoir for the virus in buffalo populations. As a country, we need to focus on preventing outbreaks by excluding areas with high reinfection risk,” he said.