AGRICULTURAL NEWS - The test results for the suspected foot-and-mouth disease case in the George District were negative, to the immense relief of the local farming community. Strict biosecurity protocol remains in place everywhere.
George state veterinarian Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg announced the results this morning, Monday 23 February. According to a notice sent out by Nelius van Greunen of Van Greunen Boerdery (VGB), whose one farm had the suspected outbreak, a high level of uncertainty remains about the cause of the symptoms, which were identified as probable FMD ones.
“This is still being investigated by the veterinarian. The affected farm, at Dwarsweg, continues to maintain isolation as a high-risk site until clearance is achieved. Additional biosecurity protocols remain in force everywhere.”
He said so far, no suspicious symptoms or symptoms similar to those at Dwarsweg have been observed on their other farms. “We remain on high alert with strict biosecurity measures in place. We appreciate everyone’s readiness to keep our community’s animals and farms safe.”
The test results for three cases near Hartenbos are being awaited, according to the Garden Route District Municipality’s multi-agency command centre (the GRDM JOC).
The JOC reports that cattle on 36 farms have been vaccinated, and as of Friday 20 February, 7 732 vaccines have been administered.
A draft Government Gazette focusing on the control of the movement of animals has been distributed to officials for comment before it is gazetted for implementation. All indications are that this could be officially gazetted sometime this week.
The African Swine Fever (ASF) protocol will be applied for FMD carcass disposal, which means the carcasses will be buried on the affected farms in accordance with prescribed biosecurity measures. Details will be published on the GRDM website soon.
An additional 16 animal health technicians will be contracted to provide operational support in the Garden Route.
Western Cape vaccination priorities:
Phase 1: Infected herd and others within a 3km radius of an index farm (if lesions are found outside 3km, expand to 10km).
Phase 2: Commonage and informal area livestock.
Phase 3: High-risk herds (farms close to free-roaming cattle, close to abattoirs and where there is a lot of movement, etc.).
Phase 4: Dairy herds.
Phase 5: Beef herds.
FMD resources:
- All FMD resources, including updates, are uploaded here.
- Western Cape Department of Agriculture updates are uploaded here.
FMD Hotline number:
080 928 4102 (press 1 for FMD)
Report suspect sites
Garden Route Emergency Call Centre: 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
