The Western Cape Agriculture Department has issued a formal quarantine order for the Drakenstein Municipality. This follows a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in the area.

The department says all cloven-hoofed animals in the municipality are regarded as potentially infected.

The movement of livestock, feed, equipment or carcasses is strictly prohibited unless a special permit is obtained from a state veterinarian. The quarantine follows confirmation of a positive case in Vlakkeland in Paarl last week.

The department’s spokesperson, Ilse Schoombee says, “The municipality has also been assisting farmers by providing water for the animals every day. Residents, farmers and livestock owners are urged to comply with all biosecurity measures, avoid unnecessary movement of animals, and follow guidance issued by the state veterinary authorities.”

FMD vaccine

The Agricultural Research Council has expressed optimism about the South African-developed foot and mouth disease vaccine. This is as the outbreak of the disease negatively affects the country’s economy.

The disease caused a 26 per cent drop in beef exports last year. On Thursday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government would have to act fast to vaccinate cattle.

The council’s research technician, Doctor Faith Peta, says, “A cattle needs a dose of two millilitres, and because of the potency of our vaccine, that’s the strength of the immunity it invokes in the animal. We need one injection that will last for at least a year. So one injection of 2 millilitres will last for a year, and after we vaccinate again.”

Agricultural Research Council on Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Production:

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