Following intensive surveillance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and attempts to isolate the virus, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries would like to thank the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute for their relentless effort and dedication which has resulted in the isolation of the viruses that are involved in the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in KZN.
The virus was isolated from samples collected from one dip tank in KZN and the feedlot in Gauteng, and has been typed as a SAT 1, related to the FMD virus out of the northern part of the Kruger National Park (Makwasi 2006). The virus is also related to a virus isolated from the Pafuri area in 2003.
This revelation puts to rest speculation on the origin of the infection and also points out that the infection did not originate from any neighbouring country. The virus that has been isolated from the buffalo in the Ndumo Game Reserve has been typed as a SAT 3 and is related to a virus found near Letaba in the Kruger National Park in 2003.
To date, the disease is under control and a second round of vaccinations is under way. Over 93 000 cattle have been vaccinated. These animals have been identified and will be monitored.
For more information contact:
Mr Steve Galane
Acting Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: +27 12 319 7960
Fax: +27 12 319 6943
Cell: +27 83 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za / stevegalane@mtn.blackberry.com
