FMD outbreak officially over

Dizaphotographer via Pixabay

The department confirmed on Tuesday that there have not been any new cases of FMD detected in the declared disease management area in Limpopo since February, and more than three incubation periods have lapsed with no new cases being observed.

"Intensive surveillance has demonstrated that the virus is no longer circulating. However, control measures remain in place in the area. The farming community and public are urged to remain vigilant," DAFF said in a joint statement with the livestock industry.

Why it is crucial that the FMD-free status is restored

27 May 2019

South Africa experienced an FMD outbreak in the high surveillance area of the FMD-free zone in Limpopo on 7 January 2019 and as a result, lost its World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognised FMD-free zone without vaccination status.

During April, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana, led a high profile delegation to the affected communities in Limpopo to express their heartfelt appreciation to the farmers and all other parties that worked with the DAFF to contain the outbreak and resolve the situation.

Containment zone application

The department said it has successfully prepared and submitted a dossier to the OIE applying for a Containment Zone.

"This application does not form part of the normal OIE processes for zoning and thus will not be considered by a formal sitting of the OIE Scientific Commission, but will rather be considered through an electronic round robin process. The DAFF is hopeful for a positive outcome of its application in the near future," the department said.

China lifts ban on SA wool and animal exports

14 May 2019

China lifts ban on wool

Meanwhile, the department has successfully negotiated market access for safe commodities to most of the trading countries, with the most recent success being China lifting their ban on wool imports from South Africa.

The department said negotiations are still underway for beef exports to China, and it is in the process of confirming dates for the next inspection visit by the Chinese veterinary authority.

"We should not rest but remain vigilant and continuously seek to improve biosecurity procedures and measures to protect our animals and people against the spreading of disease," said DAFF.