Reports of cattle skin disease in Limpopo

According to the Manager of Veterinary Services in Vhembe, Dr Tambudzani Rhangani, the disease, which is also known as the Neethling virus, is spread among cattle by insects and flies that multiply during the rainy season.

A large breakout was also reported in Zimbabwe and the Limpopo Valley recently.

The disease does not affect people.

“It is a very sporadic disease which comes seasonally and can be treated with vaccines and anti-biotics," he said.

Rhangani said cattle farmers need not be very concerned as the spread of the disease is largely dependent on the movement of the cattle, however they should take the necessary precautions.

The Transvaal Agricultural Union of South Africa said cattle vaccinations should be a standard annual practice for all cattle farmers in early summer.

Chairperson of the union's northern branch, Dries Joubert, said that although the mortality rate is usually very low, the disease could lead to lower milk production, terminated pregnancies and extensive damage to the cattle hides.

Cattle farmers who have not yet vaccinated their livestock are advised to do so immediately. Vaccines can be obtained from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute research laboratory outside Pretoria.

For more information about the disease, contact the agriculture union on (012) 804 8031.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews