Cape Town - While no foot-and-mouth disease cases have been reported in the province in decades, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has thrown its weight behind the new ban on the movement of cattle.
The impact of the 21-day movement restriction on the economy would be much less than the outbreak spreading throughout the country, according to the department.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza announced on Tuesday that 116 cases have been reported in six provinces - the worst outbreak to date.
In efforts to halt the spread of the disease, Didiza declared the ban that is expected to be in place for about three weeks.
“Cattle that are already at shows, auctions and enroute into the republic will be given 48 hours to be permitted to move to final destination after being sold, the local state veterinary office should be contacted for these permits” said Didiza.
She warned those who would illegally move cattle during this period, that they would face criminal charges for contravention of the Animal Diseases Act.
The exception will only be upon veterinary permit for slaughter for ritual purposes and cattle for direct slaughter at registered abattoirs.
Didiza said she recognized the major disruption that the movement ban would cause.
“For this reason, the ban is only applicable to cattle, as the movement of cattle was identified as the main cause of the continued spread of the outbreaks. However, the public is reminded that all cloven hoofed animals can spread Foot and Mouth Disease Virus, and the movement of sheep, goats, pigs and cloven hoofed game animals should also be handled with the necessary caution.”
Western Cape department's State Veterinarian, Dr Vivien Malan said animals can spread foot and mouth disease before they show any signs of the disease, as it can take two weeks for symptoms to show.
“It seems that it is necessary to stop the rapid spread of the disease. Control of infected areas and properties has been attempted and has failed. Hopefully this measure will allow current outbreaks to be resolved more rapidly and for the country’s status to be corrected far more rapidly.
“There will definitely be an impact but not as great as if FMD spreads further through the country. The animal suffering, trade embargoes and damage to the economy is expected to be massive if the disease continues to spread,” said Malan.
The impact of the ban includes a knock-on effect on beef availability, said Malan.
“Agricultural shows, important for the business of stud farms, have had to be cancelled, purchases of breeding stock will not be possible, animals ready to go to feedlots to be prepared for slaughter will have to stay on farms that were not expecting to continue feeding them.
“People who earn a living buying and selling cattle will not be able to do so. Dairy farmers who sell bull calves to be raised for beef must make another plan for these animals that usually cost them nothing and bring in extra income,” Malan said.