Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza has on17 February 2020 lifted the blanket ban on gatherings of animals following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) three months ago in the Molemole District of Limpopo Province.
The unbanning was informed by the briefing she received from the technical task team. Considering the importance of ensuring that animals are FDM free to penetrate the export market amongst others, auctioneers should abide by set measures.
The following prerequisite should be complied with:
· Not moving high risk animals such as animals showing signs of disease, animals from unknown origin or animals originating from known infected areas
· Only buying animals from known and proven sources
· Insisting of buyers to be supplied with a veterinary health declaration before animals are brought onto their farms
· Always placing new arrivals in isolation until you can satisfy yourself of their health status.
The Minister has indicated that all livestock agents must be registered with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council. Furthermore, she urged farmers to make sure their animals were free from all animal diseases in accordance with the legislation.
“I wish to remind all livestock keepers of their responsibilities in terms of Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 that any owner or manager of land on which there are animals take all reasonable steps to prevent the infection of the animals with any animal disease, or parasite and the spreading thereof from the relevant land or animals,” indicated Minister Didiza as quoted in the media statement from her department.
Limpopo President of African Farmers Association of South Africa, Tshianeo Mathidi welcomed this development. He said both smallholder, emerging and commercial livestock would benefit from the unbanning.
“All livestock farmers are happy that they can now sell their animals. However, they should stick to livestock movement control measures to prevent their animals from being infected by FMD,” said Mathidi.