It has been four weeks since the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Humansdorp, and farmers in the region are concerned that, since there is no “end in sight”, they will continue to be negatively impacted.
As previously reported by Kouga Express, Kouga Waste and Environmental Manager, Christa Venter, said that a case of FMD was confirmed at a farm outside Humansdorp on May 2, one day after a farmer in the area informed a local veterinarian of their suspicion of FMD.
Providing an update on the situation on May 18, Venter said that the number of cattle affected daily has reduced, and no new cases on the affected farm have been reported.
Venter further said that all cattle on the affected farm had been vaccinated, and all 120 affected cattle have recovered.
“Vaccinations started on May 10, and since then a total of 2 536 cows and 86 sheep have been vaccinated,” said Venter.
After the first report on May 1, she said that they were informed that a farm in Tsitsikamma, which is 26km from the affected farm in Humansdorp, has reported a positive case; however, she is of the understanding that these two cases are unrelated.
Cattle farmer, Corn van der Watt, said even though he is thankful that there are no FMD cases among his 600 cattle, he is extremely concerned since the disease spreads rapidly.
He said he had placed various precautions and control measures on his farm, based a few kilometres outside of Humansdorp.
“I have placed entry and exit control measures, placed warning signs, and have sanitised as much as possible,” said Van Der Watt.
Even though chickens are unaffected by FMD, he said a neighbouring chicken farm, which has access to his property, has also adhered to the necessary measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Despite being appreciative of the active role the Kouga Municipality has played in dealing with the outbreak, Van Der Watt said the ban on trade has resulted in various challenges and financial implications.
“Since we are unable to sell cattle at this time, we have had a reduction in our cash flow, and we have had to feed cattle that we initially planned to sell,” he said.
Thankfully, he said they have cash flow and can accommodate the cattle for a few more months.
However, Van Der Watt said that a lengthy trade ban will have a huge impact on the farm’s cash flow.
“I am very concerned about the foreseeable future, because there is no time frame for how long the outbreak will last, and as a result there is a lot of uncertainty,” said Van Der Watt.
Fortunately, the local farmers have been working together to curb the spread of the disease, he said.
Van Der Watt also encourages the community to work alongside the farmers to work toward a solution.
“The more co-operation there is the quicker the situation can be solved,” he said.
Venter said some of the symptoms shown by infected animals include slobbering and smacking lips, mouth sores, shivering, tender and sore feet, reduced milk yield, and raised temperature.
She said that to continue working towards curbing the spread of the disease, a Joint Operating Committee (JOC) was established, and daily updates are communicated.
Venter further said that a meeting was organised by the State Veterinarian with farmers in the area, and the emerging farmers.
“Stop-and-go has been introduced on the road between Humansdorp and St Francis where cattle cross, and the road is disinfected after crossing. Farmers have also increased biosecurity on farms and have placed signage at entrances with disinfection stations placed at the entrances as well,” said Venter.
“Several other meetings had taken place with industry experts, and all parties are working together to limit the spread of the disease.”
Venter said that education and awareness campaigns for emerging farmers and farm workers are being undertaken, and the public has been kept abreast of new developments.
On May 17, the Eastern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation released a statement indicating that the State Veterinary Services have advised that a movement protocol and restrictions had been placed for cloven-hoofed animals, which includes cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep.
“No person shall, except under the authority of a permit issued by the responsible State Veterinarian and otherwise than in accordance with the conditions specified in such permit, move any cloven-hoofed animals into, within, through, and out of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipality,” the statement read.
Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo, confirmed that all Kouga farmers have been affected by the trade and movement ban.
“The ban on movement and trading will not be for long. It has been put in place to deal with the FMD situation,” said Ngcobo.
