By: Phakeme Mnguni
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni Madlopha Mthethwa, has squarely attributed the ongoing surge of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks across the country to wild reserves, specifically identifying buffalo kept within these areas as primary live carriers of the disease.
Speaking at the ongoing FMD Indaba in Umhlanga, Madlopha Mthethwa detailed the challenges faced in combating the highly contagious viral disease. She explained that while the initial FMD outbreak in 2021 was successfully contained, subsequent actions by some farmers significantly exacerbated the problem.
“We were able to get the first one under control,” Madlopha Mthethwa stated.
“But certain factors, such as farmers concealing their cattle and moving them to other provinces, severely contributed to the worsening outbreak.”
The MEC’s comments were made during her address at the Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba, which is currently taking place at the Umhlanga Coastlands Hotel. The indaba brings together stakeholders to discuss strategies and solutions for managing the persistent FMD challenge.
In a strong call to action, Madlopha Mthethwa urged farmers to take proactive steps, including ensuring their cattle are vaccinated against FMD. She further stressed the critical importance of adhering to proper livestock movement protocols.
“Should you want to move them from one region to another, you must ensure that you consult veterinarians from where they are situated and also where you plan to move them,” she advised, highlighting the need for veterinary clearance at both points to prevent further spread of the disease.
