Western Cape Government commits R100 million to procure FMD vaccines amid outbreak
South Africa has taken a major step in protecting its livestock with the production of the first locally made foot-and-mouth disease vaccine
Image: File picture
An investigation is underway to determine the extent of the Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Mbekweni area near Paarl and to establish what control measures will be required to prevent further spread.
Provincial authorities also said suspected cases have been reported and inspected in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza, and Kalkfontein.
“Blood samples have been collected and sent to the laboratory, and the Department will commence vaccination in the area with immediate effect,” Premier Alan Winde and Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said in a joint statement.
The provincial government announced it will set aside R100 million to procure enough vaccine doses to protect livestock.
“We are acting swiftly with all stakeholders to get ahead of this outbreak,” Winde said.
24/7 border controls have been in place since Wednesday, with consideration being given to complete border closures and a permit system for cross-border trade. In outbreak areas, animal movement is prohibited.
A 21-point plan is being urgently implemented, which includes movement control, monitoring, surveillance, and traceability, through on-the-ground rapid response from veterinary services, and recovery involving cleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas.
The provincial government said it was awaiting confirmation from Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to implement a border permit system and procure vaccines as a provincial government.
“A number of confirmed and suspected outbreaks in the province are at various stages of management and control,” Winde and Meyer said.
According to the officials, on Wednesday, a private veterinarian from Wellington informed his local state veterinarian of a suspected FMD case in the Mbekweni area, following a report from the owner of the cattle.
“The premises were visited immediately, and samples were flown to Pretoria by an Animal Health Technician on the same day. The farmer and surrounding cattle owners were placed under provisional quarantine, pending laboratory results.
“FMD was confirmed on the morning of Friday, February 6. Animal health officials immediately commenced vaccination of the affected cattle, as well as cattle belonging to surrounding owners.”
Winde said their focus is on protecting a critical multi-billion Rand industry which employs 50,000 residents.
Agri Western Cape (AWC) and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Western Cape (RPOWC) confirmed they were informed by the Veterinary Services division of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture of FMD cases currently under investigation in the Khayelitsha and Mfuleni areas.
“We remain in continuous communication with the Department’s Veterinary Services, and this once again confirms the critical importance of biosecurity. Provincial traffic services have confirmed that increased emphasis is being placed on movement control and checkpoints to control the movement of animals. We place strong emphasis on strict animal movement control during this time. Members are urgently requested to strictly adhere to all prescribed protocols, to avoid moving animals unnecessarily, and to apply biosecurity measures on farms without any exception."
Cape Times