FMD-controlled area in the Limpopo province
8 August 2006
An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in cattle at the
Matiani dipping tank next to the Punda Maria Gate of the Kruger National Park.
This is in the vaccination area of the FMD Buffer Zone. Cattle showing typical
clinical signs of FMD such as salivation, with lesions in the mouth and on the
tongue were observed on 31 July 2006. Eleven animals in a group of 45 that were
inspected had the lesions.
The diagnosis has since been confirmed as an SAT-3 FMD virus type by the
Exotic Diseases Division (EDD) of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute of the
Agricultural Research Council.
The FMD controlled area is under constant surveillance with twice-yearly
vaccination of all cattle in the vaccination area of the buffer zone and strict
movement control of all cloven-hoofed animals. The national and provincial
departments of agriculture have intensified the usual control measures in the
area and no cloven-hoofed animals or their products, may leave the area.
Current evidence from surveillance activities suggests that these cases are
confined to two dipping tank areas next to the Kruger National Park. The
authorities expect that the situation can be brought under control rapidly
without undue effects on the agricultural industry as a whole.
The disease will be controlled by strict movement control and vaccination
and the public is urged to co-operate fully with authorities to ensure that it
is brought under control as soon as possible.
The detection of positive cases in the buffer zone do not affect the status
of South Africa's foot-and-mouth disease free zone without vaccination, as
recognised by the International Office of Epizootics (OIE) Animal World Health
Organisation and thus do not affect the export status of the country. In line
with the protocol, this case has been reported to the OIE.
Contact:
Steve Galane
Tel: (012) 319 7312
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail:smais@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
8 August 2006
Source: Department of Agriculture (http://www.nda.agric.za/)
