Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak confirmed in Eastern Cape

A joint operations center has also been established at the Kouga Local Municipality to coordinate the efforts of all key stakeholders involved in containing the disease throughout the province.

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has reported an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) affecting a dairy herd in Humansdorp, within the Kouga region. The confirmation came from the National Veterinary Reference Laboratory following epidemiological investigations prompted by visible clinical signs in the cattle.

Dr. Cebisa Mnqeta, the Chief Director of Veterinary Services, revealed that the affected farm initially reported about 70 animals displaying symptoms, with around 10 new cases emerging daily since. In response, the farm along with neighboring and contact farms have been quarantined pending further laboratory tests.

Fortunately, the first batch of samples from three contact farms and an adjacent communal area, tested on May 3, 2024, returned negative results for the virus. However, vigilant surveillance continues on these and any other farms reporting potential symptoms of the disease.

Mnqeta outlined that common symptoms of FMD include excessive salivation, reluctance to eat, vesicles and ulceration in the mouth, lameness, and a significant drop in milk production from affected dairy cows. The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to acute, with younger animals facing higher risks of fatality.

The local community, especially farmers and livestock owners, has been urged to stay alert for any signs of the disease. Unnecessary movement of animals should be avoided to curb the spread of the virus. For essential movements, farmers are advised to consult their local veterinarians.

In tackling the outbreak, the department has initiated a comprehensive approach, including the tracing of the virus's origin and controlled vaccination efforts starting today. All cattle in the index and associated farms will be vaccinated as a preventative measure against further spread.

A joint operations center has also been established at the Kouga Local Municipality to coordinate the efforts of all key stakeholders involved in containing the disease throughout the province.