Sores in the mouth of animals suffering from foot-and-mouth disease causes reluctance to eat and lameness. Image: Farmer's Weekly website
Earlier this week, the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries confirmed that there have been no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) detected in the disease management area declared in Limpopo in the last 10 weeks.
This comes after three incubation periods lapsed and subsequent intensive surveillance demonstrated that the virus did not spread, meaning the outbreak had probably been contained.
Despite this, strict movement controls remain in place in the disease management area and everyone is encouraged to adhere to the regulations.
It has been announced that roadblocks will most likely be discontinued by the end of April.
“No animals may move into, out of, through or inside the disease management area without state veterinary approval. No unprocessed animal products of cloven-hooved animals are allowed out of the disease management area without the necessary state veterinary permits,” said the department in a joint statement released with the livestock industry.
“These movement controls will remain in place for the next few months, until the outbreak can be fully resolved.
“A full animal identification and traceability system is being put in place for all vaccinated animals in the previously free zone part of the disease management area.
“The submission to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Technical Committee for a containment zone is being prepared, though there are challenges beyond our control. We plan to still submit, albeit later than anticipated.”
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(Compiled by: Kaunda Selisho)
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