KZN Steps Up FMD Fight with Widespread Vaccination Drive

Pretoria: While the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has made significant progress in containing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in affected areas, non-compliance by some commercial farmers continues to undermine control efforts. Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the national Foot and Mouth Disease Indaba, currently underway at the ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, northeast of Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Director for Veterinary Services, Dr. Themba Sikhakhane, said the province is on course in managing the outbreak. According to South African Government News Agency, significant strides have been made, particularly in communal areas like Newcastle in the Amajuba District, where the initial outbreak occurred. Over 600,000 animals have been vaccinated in these areas. Despite these efforts, the conduct of some commercial farmers remains a concern. These farmers reportedly hide and move their animals upon noticing symptoms of FMD, complicating control measures. Dr. Sikhakhane noted that effective containment will require active cooperation from the beef industry and farmer organizations in addressing these practices. Dr. Sikhakhane identified the Amajuba and uMzinyathi Districts as the most affected by the outbreak, with recent cases detected in a few dairy operations. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the disease reached these facilities. He highlighted that FMD is often spread by human activity and the movement of unvaccinated livestock, specifically in communal areas lacking proper fencing. Known permanent FMD sources include areas around Hluhluwe Game Reserve and other smaller reserves where animals have tested positive. The department is expanding its containment measures, including deploying dip tank facilities. Fourteen new dip tanks are expected to be completed this week in the King Cetshwayo District, with additional facilities planned for Mtubatuba and Nongoma municipalities. Dr. Sikhakhane emphasized the need for assistance from red meat produ cers to work with the government in controlling the spread of the disease among commercial farmers. The FMD Indaba, themed 'Building a Resilient System to Fight FMD,' is taking place against the backdrop of widespread outbreaks in several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and most recently, the Free State. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, alongside Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa, is leading a national effort in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The Indaba has also attracted participation from provincial leaders concerned with agricultural and environmental affairs. In his address, Minister Steenhuisen emphasized the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps within the country's FMD protection zones. He pointed out that the movement of animals is often illegal due to the absence of local abattoirs or feedlots, making it difficult to enforce movement control. He stressed that this issue extends beyond veterinary science and into spatial planning and rural development. The government plans to allocate funds in the current fiscal year to support the establishment of feedlots and abattoirs within protection zones, particularly in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. These facilities would provide alternatives to illicit trade, create rural jobs, and help enforce measures to maintain FMD-free zones.