Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserves’ Smallholder Farmer Extension Officer, Simthandile Ponti, and Project Support Officer, Somila Liwani, attended a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) workshop in Riversdale. The workshop was hosted by Dr. Shaun Morris of Octavoscene (Pty) Ltd, a leading veterinarian in South Africa actively combating the spread of FMD.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing painful sores in the mouth and around the feet. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions, milk, semen, and contaminated feed from infected animals. Alarmingly, it can take up to two weeks for infected animals to show clinical signs, leaving seemingly healthy animals as potential carriers.
The current FMD outbreak, reported on April 30th, 2024, affected multiple farms in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, some of these farms are located approximately 50km from the Western Cape border. According to Dr. Morris, the virus spread to the Eastern Cape via a truck transporting animals that were not properly disinfected. In response, farmers in the affected area initially tried to boost their animals’ immune systems with multivitamins before the vaccine was made available.
The Western Cape Veterinary Services and the livestock industry are urging farmers, livestock owners, and the public to remain vigilant. To prevent the introduction of FMD to the Western Cape, livestock farmers are advised to buy animals from trusted sources and avoid purchasing from provinces affected by the virus. Farmers should also obtain veterinary certificates confirming that animals are free from FMD.
Precautionary Measures:
- Implement strict biosecurity measures for farm employees.
- Limit farm access.
- Minimise visitors to those essential for farm operations.
- Clean and disinfect vehicles and trailers before and after loading animals.
- Use the proper concentration of disinfectant (Citric acid is recommended).
By maintaining strict biosecurity control and collaborating with neighbouring farmers and local state veterinarians, we can curb the spread of the FMD virus. Farmers are also encouraged to limit animal movement, while the Western Cape Traffic Services will assist in monitoring vehicles transporting livestock. If there is any suspicion of FMD, it should be reported immediately to the local state veterinarian.
