The DA in Limpopo welcomes Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s declaration lifting Limpopo’s Disease Management Area (DMA) and congratulates all roleplayers who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to ensure the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the affected areas.
Limpopo is now, after seven years, officially free of FMD — that is, outside of the province’s permanent FMD Controlled Area, which remains in place due to its location relative to the Kruger National Park.
FMD has devastating socio-economic consequences. It affects livestock productivity, disrupts trade both domestically and for export, worsens food security, increases the cost of meat, imposes major costs to contain and eradicate outbreaks, and deepens rural poverty — where animal health is directly linked to wellbeing and livelihoods.
The most recent outbreak, detected in April 2022, was traced to seven communal diptanks. The DMA that followed encompassed communal farming and livestock trading areas primarily located within the Vhembe and Mopani Districts of the province.
The eradication of FMD requires coordination and collaboration across government, industry, and farming communities. The DA commends all those involved, including Limpopo’s Veterinary Services — particularly Mr Gerhard Coetzee — as well as the SAPS, SANDF, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), Limpopo Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), Vleissentraal and Koch en Seuns, organised agriculture through Agri Limpopo and TLU, and commercial, small-scale, and subsistence farmers.