By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde oversaw the mass vaccination of livestock against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) disease in the Fisantekraal area in Cape Town.
The vaccinations form part of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s 21-point action plan to combat the national FMD outbreak in the Western Cape, where the Department of Agriculture will deploy veterinarians and animal health technicians to vaccinate about 450 cattle.
The provincial government has been intensifying efforts to safeguard the province’s R13.5 billion livestock sector.
“This vaccination drive is a proactive step to protect cattle in this area. No cases of FMD have been detected in this Fisantekraal herd. But we are taking every precaution because we want to protect jobs and livelihoods,” said Winde, adding, “we will be receiving 200,000 vaccine doses over the coming weeks and will push to vaccinate all high-risk herds. The province will also request permission to procure its own vaccines.”
In order to stop the spread of FMD and protect the Western Cape herd, Winde has requested, in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, that the national Department of Agriculture:
- Move all physical auctions online for 21 days, and
- Issue permit control regulations for livestock movement.
Winde and his MEC’s will be meeting with Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen tomorrow evening, 16 February, to receive an update on this request.
Major roadblocks and vehicle monitoring are taking place on various roads across 13 municipalities, including at the provincial borders.
The Premier stressed, “This is part of a national crisis. We are working tirelessly to protect jobs and the agricultural economy. If you are transporting livestock or any materials used in the farming of livestock, you must take every precaution.”
Steenhuisen added, “This is a national emergency; we are fighting to save the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and the future of our agricultural exports. We need every single livestock owner to stand with us. Biosecurity is not a suggestion – it is our only line of defense. If you move animals without permits or ignore basic hygiene, you are putting the entire country at risk. I am asking all South Africans – please stop the illegal movement of cattle, report illness immediately, and treat your farm boundaries like a fortress.