An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in KwaZulu-Natal has now spread to the uPhongolo Local Municipality, adding to the province's ongoing struggles with the highly contagious livestock disease.
Dr. Mpho Maja, the Agriculture Department’s Director of Animal Health, reports that KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have been the hardest-hit provinces over the past six months.
"Since the outbreak in 2021, KZN has recorded 133 active outbreaks in dip tanks across the region, affecting small-scale farmers, game reserves, and some commercial farmers," Maja stated.
In response, the department has intensified efforts to manage the disease, including implementing strict movement controls for livestock within the province.
Maja emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures to limit the spread.
"Farmers must ensure they know the origin and health status of cattle they purchase and keep their livestock separate from animals with unknown health histories. If these measures are followed, we can contain the outbreak," she said.
The department is urging farmers to remain vigilant and adhere to protocols to prevent further transmission of the disease, which poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector.