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One week after the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was confirmed at a farm outside Humansdorp, the Kouga Municipality has been working hard to ensure the highly contagious disease does not spread to surrounding farms.
Kouga Waste and Environmental Manager, Christa Venter, said 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.
Venter said that since receiving confirmation of FMD, as of May 7, only one farm in Humansdorp has been affected, and the disease has not spread.
In addition, Venter said that cattle are the only animals affected by the current outbreak.
“Foot and Mouth Disease is categorised as a state-controlled disease due to its potential to inflict substantial economic losses, and disrupt agricultural activities,” said Venter.
To address this threat effectively, she said that authorities have instituted stringent measures to contain and manage outbreaks.
Venter further said that a critical control point has been established along the road between Humansdorp and St Francis Bay.
She said that this measure aims at mitigating the spread of the highly contagious viral infection, particularly as cows frequently cross this road for grazing.
“Marking the site of intervention is the closure of the road four times a day to facilitate the safe crossing of cows. Following each crossing, an extensive clean-up and disinfection process, lasting about five minutes, will be conducted.
“Throughout this period, the road will remain closed, ensuring that any potential traces of the virus are eradicated, thus minimising the risk of transmission,” said Venter.
She said that to accommodate this necessary procedure, motorists are advised to anticipate a 20-minute waiting period during specific times of the day.
Intervals will be scheduled during these times:
- 05:00 to 05:20
- 09:00 to 09:20
- 14:00 to 14:20
- 17:00 to 17:20
Venter said that the intervals serve as windows for the implementation of control measures; however, it is important to note that these times may vary depending on prevailing circumstances and operational requirements.
She further said that motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible, to minimise disruptions to their travel plans.
Regarding roaming cattle in the region, Venter said that an urgent meeting was called with the emerging farmers around the affected farm, and the municipality has started with loud hailing in the area to make people aware that animals should be kept in confined areas.
She said that communication regarding the outbreak was done on all ward groups, and all law enforcement agencies will play a part in communicating to owners of roaming cattle to keep them in confined spaces.
Venter said that the municipality has implemented additional measures to curb the spread of FMD.
“The movement of cattle, whether on foot, roaming freely, or via transportation, is prohibited until further notice, and all cattle are prohibited from being brought into the Kouga region,” said Venter.
“Furthermore, barriers will be placed between affected farms and roaming animals, meetings will be conducted with commercial and emerging farmers, and we will continue to communicate with the public through media releases and by hosting educational campaigns in and around affected areas.”
Despite the concern surrounding the outbreak of FMD, Venter said that the disease is not transmittable to humans, and by-products such as milk, cheese, and meat, are safe to eat.
