Farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture in free state are on a high alert after four new active cases of foot and claw disease (FMD) in the province, which means that the total is eight.
The department said three cases were reported in Kroonstad, which were commercial farms and on a common grazing land. In the meantime, the recent case was confirmed in the Mafube municipal area.
“Movement restrictions have been implemented on all farms within 10 kilometers of radius of the infected farms. The infected farms are placed under quarantine and all farms within this radius have been informed and placed under precautionary mantine until the supervision is completed to determine a further distribution of the disease,” the department said.
Fast vaccination on infected farms
The Department further said that they have given priority to the vaccination of the infected farms, which started with immediate effect, to help reduce the viral load and limit further distribution.
“Surveillance activities will continue to work in Moqhaka, Metsimaholo and Mafube municipalities to determine the possible size of the spread. The department will continue to work for transparent communication, and we will continue to keep all stakeholders informed as further developments unfold.”
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The Ministry said that it will implement measures in accordance with the legislation of the government and the Act on Animal Diseases in the future, such as limiting the movement of Speed ​​Animals, which adhere to strict biosafety measures, including disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
Measures include: Quarantine each new cattle for 28 days before the introduction of existing herds, keep accurate data from all animal movements and visitors to farms. Report all suspicious cases to the local veterinary office. We can only contain the spread of the disease when we work together. ”
A livestock farming in Peace, Wessels Wessels, said he is worried that the FMD outbreak will reach their area, which would cause a lot of financially damage and a setback. “Feet and claw that hangs like a sword over us. Come closer to us,” he said.
Free State Agriculture Commercial Manager, Dr. Jack Armor, farmers insisted on being hyper -oriented on their own biosafility.
“Our concern is the increased incidence of common connections. We are pleased that the SAPs have published a circular directive (which we forced them) to enable their officers to accuse, arrest and organize transporters without the necessary documentation,” said Armor.
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Staff Reporter
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