KZN foot-and-mouth crisis: Minister calls for roadblocks, vaccines, and state of disaster
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has directed his department to urgently focus on a much-needed action plan and concrete steps to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in KZN.
Zululand Observer reports that during his recent visit to the province, many farmers and community leaders sought clarification on the current situation, expressing concern that the department is not effectively addressing the outbreak.
'This lack of sufficient action is jeopardising farmers' livelihoods, the agricultural industry and the economy. This needs to stop immediately,' said Steenhuisen.
KZN has been grappling with 147 active FMD cases and, despite ongoing efforts by the Department of Agriculture, new infections have emerged outside designated Disease Management Areas (DMAs).
These areas were declared in 2021 when an outbreak of the South African Territories 2 (SAT2) FMD strain first surfaced in the province.
Last month, Steenhuisen extended the boundaries of the DMA in an effort to curb the virus's further spread.
'The reports we continue to receive from KZN regarding the persistent, and in some cases, expanding foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks are of great concern. This, with the slow progress in strengthening our national biosecurity and acquiring vital vaccines, presents significant risks that this government views with serious concern.
'I have directed the department to identify and lift every single impediment standing in the way of vaccines being delivered promptly,' he explained.
Steenhuisen also instructed the department to contact law enforcement agencies to prioritise and assist with roadblocks and management of animal movement.
'We need to focus on the prioritisation of alternative sites for the sale of livestock, as well as the identification of abattoirs within the DMA to provide an alternative for farmers within the DMA.
'Procurement and provision of enough vaccines to meet the demand for a comprehensive vaccine roll-out; to explore mechanisms to declare a state of disaster within the province, and to monitor the implementation of the permit system,' said Steenhuisen.
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