Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi has pleaded with livestock owners in the province to observe the ban on cattle movement as part of the measures to limit the spread of the deadly foot-and mouth-disease (FMD).
This comes after an FMD case was identified in KwaNyuswa area, which falls under eThekwini Municipality this week.
Following the discovery, the MEC embarked on a campaign involving livestock associations across the province, urging livestock owners to comply with the current ban, adding that such a move will be crucial in securing the future of livestock farming and trading in KZN and South Africa.
The department’s Vusi Zuma said the MEC was pleased with the response from the livestock farming community.
“The MEC made them understand that the future is in their hands and they should do everything in their power to protect the livestock trade by observing the ban,” said Zuma.
He added that the department had also availed assistance in the form of cattle feed for the farmers who were battling owing to the ban.
The MEC is expected to continue with her campaign in various parts of the province.
Last week Minister Thoko Didiza announced the suspension of all movement of cattle in South Africa for a 21-day period following the outbreak of FMD, citing 116 outbreaks involving farms, feedlots and communal areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.