An outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected on the 08 December 2015, in cattle in Limpopo province by the Provincial Veterinary Services. The outbreak was confirmed by laboratory tests on 10 December 2015 and identified as a SAT 3 strain of FMD virus. The outbreak occurred in the Matiane community, in the Thulamela local municipality of the Vhembe District which is within FMD protection zone of South Africa, where vaccination for FMD is routinely conducted.
The affected area is very close to Greater Kruger National Park Complex that inhabits FMD infected buffaloes which are constant sources of infection. The current drought situation has increased possible contact between cattle and buffaloes due to limited grazing and water sources.
The Limpopo Provincial Veterinary Services have intensified surveillance in the area and is also applying control measures such as quarantine of affected cattle and movement control of cloven hooved animals in the surrounding areas. Vaccination of the surrounding areas in response to the outbreak will be instituted.
The outbreak occurred within South Africa’s FMD protection zone, and therefore has no effect on South Africa’s FMD free zone status and should not have any effect on South Africa’s export activities.
We would like to urge the farming community in the affected area to work close with our provincial veterinary officials and no cattle should be move out of this area.
For more information contact:
Bomikazi Molapo
Cell: 078 801 3711
E-mail: Bomikazim@daff.gov.za
