Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, has established a rapid response team in accordance with section 2(1) of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), to address current outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This follows a Disease Management Area declaration, gazetted by Minister Steenhuisen, a week ago, aimed at preventing the spread of the disease through the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, and related products in certain areas.
The team is tasked with providing immediate support and critical decision-making assistance within the first 48 hours of an FMD outbreak.
Read more on the legislation surrounding foot-and-mouth disease here.
It comprises seven government and industry experts, including Dr Mpho Maja, Dr Shaun Morris, Dr J Strydom, Dr Patricia Froneman, Dr Matlou Rabala and Dr Gerhard Neethling.
Their responsibilities include ensuring regular communication, assisting with guidelines on how affected producers handle milk, meat, or other produce from affected areas and involving agricultural specialists to advise on the economic impact on these regions. – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in Frankfort
The Free State reported a new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak on 21 February 2024. It is still being epidemiologically investigated to determine the origin and possible spread of the virus.
According to the latest FMD outbreak report, compiled by the directorate of Animal Health of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the outbreak is currently limited to one commercial farm situated in the Frankfort area in the Free State.
The economic impact of foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a serious, highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats, swine and other cloven-hoofed animals, and has a major negative impact on the economy. It is a notifiable disease, which means that if there is an outbreak on a farm and it is not reported, the producer can be held legally liable. If there is an outbreak, the farm and adjacent area are placed under quarantine and the movement of livestock and meat is restricted.
According to an article in the monthly newsletter of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the disease affects an estimated 77% of livestock in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and parts of South America.
