Dear WRSA Members, a press release was received from the Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONFIRMS CASE OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE
The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Thembeni Nxangisa would like to alert livestock farmers and farmers at large of an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the province. This comes after investigations were done on three farms following suspicion of movements of cattle, from the North West and Gauteng Provinces.
The tests conducted on the two farms in Viljoenskroon have confirmed only one positive case. The other farm where samples were conducted tested negative. The farms have however been placed under quarantine. A third farm is being investigated in the town of Frankfort following the procurement of calves from a speculator in Randfontein.
MEC Nxangisa would like to appeal to members of the public and the farming community at large not to panic as Veterinary personnel are on the ground implementing appropriate control measures to prevent the further spread of the disease. The MEC has also urged farmers to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior in their animals.
Foot and Mouth is a state-controlled viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Infected animals are characterized by the development of fluid-filled vesicles and erosion of the mouth and feet of the animals. The animals that are infected with the disease are not able to eat and walk as a result of these lesions. Calves and lambs die of heart failure. The disease will result in a negative economic impact due to animal movement restrictions and/or international trade bans on livestock and livestock products.
Issued by:
Ms. Z. Leputla
Head: Strategic Communications
060 976 8683
For further inquiries contact
Dr. Kristan Mojapelo
072 711 1890
