Soccer fans not in danger of contracting RVF

Tabling his Budget Speech on Tuesday, Tshwene said the department has engaged on a massive awareness campaign within the sector on the possible animal health and public health risks.

He said with only 23 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the agriculture sector is still reeling in economic losses due to the recent outbreak of RVF in the country.

Vaccination drive

"We have embarked on vaccination campaigns during which more than 7600 livestock in high risk areas of both Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts were vaccinated against the disease," Tshwene said.

He said the department will continue to provide technical support and prompt reporting of all new cases.

Even though government is vigorously applying measures to contain this disease, MEC Tshwene said farmers continued to experience livestock losses as this disease was also precipitated by increased rainfall.

With the constant threat of animal disease outbreaks, Tshwene said his department will pay specific attention to vaccination programmes to support anchor livestock projects participating in the Western Frontier Beef Beneficiation Programme and the North West Nguni Cattle development project.

Tshwene said a total of 286 000 livestock will be vaccinated against Anthanx, 16 700 against Rabies and 28 000 against Brucellosis.

Monitoring safety standards

Addressing the media at the event, MEC Tshwene said there is a need for stable bio-security in the province.

He said vigorous monitoring for compliance of abattoirs for safe, wholesome meat and promotion of meat safety standards will be paramount.

He further told reporters that they will intensify the fight against illegal slaughtering of livestock and sustain abattoirs rating programme in terms of their hygiene standards for rewards.

"Potchefstroom Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory has just been declared competent to perform tests for controlled animal diseases, making the North West province the first in the country to get the authority," he said.

The laboratory is the only one in the country that has implemented the quality control procedures that are critical for an internationally recognised laboratory.