Mapaballo Borotho
- Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and the West Rand have been identified as foot and mouth disease hotspots in Gauteng.
- More than 260 000 animals have been affected, prompting calls for a national state of disaster.
- Government has committed R16 million to vaccines and field operations as over 195 outbreaks are confirmed.
Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and the West Rand municipalities have been identified as hotspots of the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Gauteng province.
The Gauteng provincial government says more than 260 000 animals are now affected by the disease. The outbreak, which has been unfolding over several months, has reached the level of a nationwide animal health crisis.
As a result, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is seeking to declare a national state of disaster over the escalating crisis.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa outlined measures to stop the spread of the disease during a Monday briefing in Johannesburg.
The Executive Council of the province says if the virus moves on wheels, then they need to stop the wheels.
The plan will see the movement of animals controlled through joint roadblocks and inspection checkpoints, guided by veterinary risk maps.
Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa says R16 million has been committed to vaccines and operational field support.
“About R16 million from the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is now being used for vaccines, tests, cleaning supplies and mobile units to help stop the spread of the disease,” she said.
Furthermore, all farms that have been infected are under strict quarantine, and new cases are being investigated.
More than 195 lab-confirmed outbreaks were recorded last week in the province.
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