More cases of foot and mouth
More than 130 locations have been identified with possible links to specific auctions and known affected properties
THE Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries report that a further four cases of foot and mouth disease have been recorded since mid-December.
One case was detected in the first week of this month, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 15 since the start of the outbreak in Limpopo.
More than 130 locations have been identified with possible links to specific auctions and known affected properties.
Follow-up investigations and collection of samples were performed at 95 of these points and a precautionary quarantine has been lifted on 44 properties that have been proven negative for the disease.
Properties where the disease has been confirmed, have been placed under quarantine and cloven hoofed animals are not allowed to be moved off the properties.
Guidelines and application procedures have been finalised for animals on quarantined properties. They must undergo early slaughter at designated abattoirs with specific conditions to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.
The prohibition on the gathering of cloven hoofed animals from two or more properties, for distribution to two or more properties, has been published in the Government Gazette on 4 December and is applicable to the whole country.
This notice does not prohibit the movement of livestock from farm to farm, or private auctions at individual farms.
The department encourages livestock owners to limit the movement of cloven hoofed animals until the extent of the outbreak has been fully determined.
If movements are necessary, buyers are advised to request health declarations before any animals are bought from sellers to prevent the possible spread of infection.
Private vets are asked to assist their clients by providing health declarations that indicate that the herd of origin has been inspected and found to be free of clinical signs of the disease and that all animals have been on the farm for at least 28 days before inspection.
Any suspected cases of foot and mouth disease must be reported to the nearest state veterinary office for further investigation.
The disease does not affect people, therefore meat and milk from infected livestock is safe for human consumption.
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