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With four confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), South Africa’s northernmost province is no longer FMD free after maintaining a FMD-free status for nearly three years. After the initial shock, Limpopo officials and organised agriculture have rallied together to fight back.
Cases confirmed
Confirmed FMD cases in Limpopo include:
- Two confirmed cases at feedlots in the Waterberg district.
- One confirmed case in the Vhembe district.
- One confirmed case in Alldays.
Deidre Carter, manager of Agri Limpopo, said these cases have placed enormous pressure on all livestock farmers and rural communities. “Limpopo cannot afford another FMD outbreak. Immediate preventative action is essential.”
On Tuesday, organised agriculture and other key role-players attended an urgent Joint Operations Committee (JOC) meeting to discuss the matter. Afterwards, the province’s organised agriculture organisations called on Limpopo MEC for Agriculture, Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana, to intervene immediately. The call came from the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (Afasa), Agri Limpopo, the National Farmers’ Union (Nafu) Limpopo, and TLU Limpopo.
“Minutes after being contacted, the MEC responded. Shortly after that, department officials phoned us to see how the problem could be addressed as quickly as possible,” Carter said, adding that this was an extension of the good working relationship that has been tangible between officials and farmers since the province started proactively working to keep FMD at bay.
Immediate cooperation
Douw Pelser, chairperson of RPO Limpopo, said the unity and teamwork in the province have been incredible. “A week ago, everything was hunky dory, and then this happened (FMD broke). But I’m already feeling much more positive than I did on Monday, because there is direction, leadership and action.”
According to Pelser, the department is constantly in contact with stakeholders. Animals have been quarantined, and by 17 December, State Veterinarians will be able to conduct further clinical tests on these animals. The majority have already been vaccinated. Those who have not will soon receive their vaccinations.
Stricter law enforcement needed
Several sources informed AgriOrbit that one of the confirmed FMD cases could be traced back to a well-connected commercial farmer who has been moving cattle from the Northwest province. Despite warnings from other commercial farmers, he continued with the practice.
While Carter and Pelser both declined to respond to these allegations, both agreed that culprits must face the full force of the law. “This boils down to economic sabotage and anybody that acts in an illegal manner needs to be prosecuted,” Carter said, adding that the smuggling of animals needs to stop.
Critical action required
Afasa, Agri Limpopo, TLU SA Limpopo, and Nafu agree that certain actions needed to be taken.
The first is that Limpopo’s provincial borders have to be strengthened. Additionally, authorities must implement regulations prohibiting the entry of cloven-hoofed animals into the province without the necessary veterinary certification.
Organised agriculture also wants authorities to implement severe spot fines – calculated at double the value of the animals being moved unlawfully. The proposed penalties are a minimum of R7 000 per goat and a minimum of R25 000 per head of cattle.
Vaccine concerns
Marie Helm, DA provincial spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, said the FMD cases are concerning. “We call for full compliance with the control measures implemented by the Office of the State Veterinarian. Vaccination, biosecurity, and strict movement control are now of paramount importance.”
Helm also expressed concern about the current lack of vaccines available in the province. “The eradication of FMD requires coordination, cooperation, and collaboration across government, industry, and farming communities in an all-of-society approach.” – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
