The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo notes with concern the confirmation from the Office of the State Veterinarian of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) detected on two commercial feedlot farms in the area between Modimolle and Vaalwater in the Waterberg District.
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 expenses to contain and eradicate outbreaks, and deepens rural poverty, where animal health is directly linked to wellbeing and livelihoods.
It was only in July this year that we celebrated our province being free of FMD after a period of seven years, that is, outside of the province’s permanent FMD Controlled Area, which remains in place due to its proximity to the Kruger National Park.
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.
The eradication of FMD requires coordination, cooperation, and collaboration across government, industry, and farming communities in an “all-of-society approach”.