FMD continues to spread throughout South Africa

Since January 2019 South Africa has battled the outbreak of FMD. This has lead to South Africa losing its OIE recognised FMD free status during 2019. As of yet the country has been unable to recover its OIE FMD free status. Currently there are 56 reported cases across 5 provinces. These provinces are Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, North-West, Gauteng and the Free State. According to a media statement by Minister Thoka Didiza on 11 April 2022 the spread of the virus is mostly attributed by the illegal movements of cloven-hoofed animals from the FMD controlled zones. She has further announced that a 49-year old individual was arrested for illegally moving goats from a FMD controlled zone. With further investigations being carried out regarding animals brought to auctions from FMD controlled zones. The latest report from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Developmet states that the department have ongoing vaccination campaigns in KZN and Limpopo. The vaccine for FMD is still state controlled and can only be used in recognised areas by the state veterninary services.

It must be noted that currently there are no reported cases of FMD in the Wagyu herd. In order to maintain the FMD free status of our herd CWB has requested that all audits be conducted electronically for the next 6 months. We urge our producers to carefully consider who they allow to enter their farms. By implementing strict biosecurity protocols on-farm a producer can reduce their risk. Be on the lookout for any cloven-hoofed animals with the letters ‘ZAF’ branded on their necks. As these animals will have originated from a known FMD zone. Furthermore, these animals will also have green, yellow or pink eartags with the letters ‘ZAF’. Any animals that had their eartags cut out will likely have originated from FMD areas. Therefore it is important not to buy any animals whose origins can not be verified. Or animals that can not be provided with a health declaration. Report any FMD suspicious animals to your local state veterinary services.