An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected on 17 July 2013, in cattle in Limpopo Province by the Limpopo Provincial Veterinary Services. The outbreak was confirmed by laboratory tests on 18 July 2013 and identified as a SAT 1 strain FMD virus. The outbreak occurred just north of Phalaborwa in a communal grazing area and is located within South Africa’s FMD protection zone, in the area where vaccination for FMD is practised. The outbreak was reported to the OIE on 19 July 2013.
The Limpopo Provincial Veterinary Services is investigating the outbreak and applying control measures such as quarantine of the affected cattle and movement control of cloven-hooved animals in the surrounding areas. Vaccination of the surrounding areas, in response to the outbreak, will take place.
The outbreak occurred within South Africa’s FMD protection zone, and therefore has no effect on South Africa’s export activities.
For media enquiries please contact:
Antoinette Fourie
Directorate: Communication Services
Tel: 012 319 7327
E-mail: AntoinetteFo@daff.gov.za
