South Africa’s director of animal health, Mpho Maja, has confirmed that to date 3400 cattle have been slaughtered in the Molemole district. This after Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza’s, decision to lift the temporary ban on auctions in South Africa to curb the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Limpopo province.
According to a statement released by Maja, 19 locations in Limpopo tested positive for FMD. After thorough investigation, the affected properties have all been linked to four specific cattle auctions which took place in September and October last year.
“Although the ban has been lifted, all farmers are encouraged to limit the movement of cloven hoofed animals until the extent of the outbreak has been fully determined. If movements are necessary, farmers are advised to obtain a veterinary health declaration to confirm the absence of clinical signs of FMD on the premises and in the animals to be moved,” said Maja.
He said awareness campaigns would continue to take place to educate farmers on how to protect their livestock. - Zoë van Rooyen
