Following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Matiani village in the Vhembe district, Minister visited Matiani dipping facility in where he met with the farmers in the village. A comprehensive outbreak response has been instituted by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Public and community communication plans have been implemented in local languages to educate people about the disease and the importance of adhering to the increased control measures. All provincial veterinary officials (State Veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians) will assist in the vaccination campaigns.
All cattle in the 5 neighbouring villages to Matiani will be vaccinated. The vaccination of these cattle is a priority and will be completed by 20 December 2015. The department commits that all vets will work throughout the month of December to ensure that all the cattle are vaccinated.
There are a total of 14 cattle that are showing signs of the disease with a total of 1 200 cattle at risk, because the cattle all use the same dipping facility. The disease is only affecting one dipping tank, which is Matiani. A total of 6 070 cattle will be vaccinated; vaccinations began on the 14th December, 3 998 cattle have been vaccinated so far.
A Command Centre for the FMD response operation will be set up at Madzivhandila Agricultural College. The Veterinary Operations Committee (VOC) consisting of veterinary officials leading various activities (surveillance, vaccinations, social facilitations, etc.) of the campaign will meet at the Command Centre on daily basis to deliberate on the operational and progress status.
The Joint Operational Committee (JOC) consisting of the veterinary officials and the representatives of relevant stakeholders such as the local municipality, disaster management, traditional leadership, South African Police Service (SAPS), Road Traffic Inspectorate, etc. will meet weekly to deliberate on the operational progress and areas that may require attention from other stakeholders. The Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and VOC will be chaired by the provincial Director of Veterinary Services and by the designated provincial State Veterinarian, respectively.
For more information please contact
Bomikazi Molapo
Cell: 078 801 3711
E-mail: bomikazim@daff.gov.za
