South Africa: enhanced control measures to curb FMD outbreaks

South African authorities are strengthening measures to contain foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the establishment of an enlarged Disease Management Area (DMA) and urged livestock owners to follow strict biosecurity practices and movement protocols. Surveillance and vaccination efforts are being intensified in affected areas and those within a 10 Km radius of infection sites. The Ministry hopes that additional measures, enhanced surveillance practices, and an updated movement control protocol in the DMA will lead to a significant reduction of viral load in the next four weeks. However, the current situation remains difficult, especially in Kwa-Zulu Natal, which reported 165 FMD outbreaks, with 147 still active. The Eastern Cape has instead reported 40 outbreaks, with 39 still active. Two suspected cases have been reported outside the enlarged DMA, leading to further tests and quarantine measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture reminded farmers that Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all possible steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected and spreading the disease to other properties. Considering positive developments from ongoing surveillance measures, the Ministry also announced targeted relief measures for farmers within the DMA whose herds have repeatedly tested negative. These farmers may now process milk for local consumption through single pasteurisation instead of the previously mandated double pasteurisation or UHT treatment.