Foot-and-mouth disease spreads, KZN remains hotspot

Small scale farmers feeling the pinch with foot-and-mouth disease

By Nosihle Zulu The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal has caused significant disruption for cattle farmers, with the highly contagious disease taking its toll in various districts. Classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, FMD has forced the suspension of live cattle auctions and restricted the movement of cattle, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers and the beef supply chain. Agric…

Although the majority of cattle on the affected farms in Hungary and Slovakia are healthy, several thousand are being culled to prevent an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease. Critics are calling for alternative solutions. The virus outbreak in March has already caused enormous damage.

Foot-and-mouth disease spreads, KZN remains hotspot

The foot-and-mouth outbreak continues to threaten livestock farming, with 147 active cases in KZN and 39 in the Eastern Cape. Authorities urge farmers to enforce strict biosecurity to curb the spread. Encouraging surveillance results may allow some farmers relief, including relaxed pasteurisation requirements for milk production. Foot-and-mouth disease spreads, KZN remains hotspot appeared first on Food For Mzansi