Foot and mouth disease detection in Limpopo could impact the Western Cape | Western Cape Government

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Foot and mouth disease detection in Limpopo could impact the Western Cape

9 January 2019

The National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced on Tuesday that foot and mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health.  

 

Consequently, South Africa’s designation as foot and mouth free has been suspended, and any exports of cloven hoofed animals or products, where FMD free zone attestation is required, will be impacted.

 

Foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and while it poses no public health or food safety threats, its detection can have a severe economic impact as farmers will not be able to export livestock or meat products (including beef, pork, lamb and game).

Minister of Economic Opportunities in the Western Cape, Beverley Schäfer said: “the detection of foot and mouth disease in the country is devastating news for the agricultural economy as livestock and meat exports will be halted. While no incidents of the disease have been detected in the Western Cape, the province accounts for more than half of South Africa’s total agricultural exports.”

 

“The national department is currently conducting further investigations in Limpopo and the area has been quarantined. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture will be monitoring the situation closely and we request all farmers to be on high alert, and to ensure that all their bio-security measures are in place in order to ensure that the disease does not spread further,” Schäfer said.

Media Enquiries: 

Bianca Capazorio

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Opportunities

Tel: 021 483 3550

Cell: 0723727044

Email: bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za