Vhembe district of Limpopo not cleared of FMD

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Ongoing investigations

Trace back and forward investigations from farms that were proved to be FMD positive are still ongoing. These identified locations remain under precautionary quarantine until diagnostic testing is completed and the status of these farms has been confirmed as negative for FMD. This phase has not been completed yet.

The prohibition on the gathering of cloven-hoofed animals from two or more properties, for distribution to two or more properties, as published in the Government Gazette on 4 December 2019 and applicable to the whole country, is still in place. This notice does not prohibit the movement of livestock from farm to farm, or private auctions of individual farms. The gazetted notice is available on the DAFF website.

A review of the situation will only be considered once all the involved properties are tested and the investigation of the outbreak has been completed in order to confidently exclude any further FMD virus circulation.

Precautionary measures

The department still encourages animal owners to apply the following basic measures to prevent their animals from being infected:

• Not moving high-risk animals;
• Only buying animals from a proven source;
• Insisting on a veterinary health declaration to accompany any animals that are brought in.

Any suspected cases of FMD must be reported to the nearest state veterinary office or the nearest veterinarian for further investigation. Owners who have bought animals from known infected properties are also encouraged to report this to the provincial veterinary authorities for speedy follow up investigations.