In a bid to tackle the rising threat of foot and mouth disease, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen visited Rysmierbult outside Ventersdorp in the North West on Thursday, where he oversaw a Cattle Vaccination Campaign aimed at halting the spread of the disease. The communal area boasts around 300 cattle slated for vaccination, highlighting the urgency of preventive measures in light of the outbreak.
The North West province is now grappling with 26 registered cases of foot and mouth disease, placing it among the four provinces most affected by recent outbreaks. Steenhuisen’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing agricultural challenge, yet he voiced significant concerns regarding ongoing illegal activities in cattle transportation that are thwarting containment efforts.
“I’m still very concerned that there are people moving animals illegally around the country out of foot and mouth disease areas, into other areas and that’s making the fight against this a lot harder,” Steenhuisen stated. He remarked on the involvement of various stakeholders, including speculators, auction houses, transport companies, and farmers, in the illicit movement of livestock, which has exacerbated the situation.
The Minister emphasised the importance of adhering to legal protocols during animal transport, urging compliance to ensure the health of cattle across regions. “We need to make absolutely sure that the law is being adhered to,” he insisted, signalling a crucial call for unity in the fight against this potentially devastating disease.
Steenhuisen’s statement comes at a time when the agricultural community is particularly vulnerable, with the economic repercussions from foot and mouth disease being felt deeply among both large-scale and small-scale farmers. Vaccination campaigns, while essential, can only be effective if they are supplemented by strict control over cattle transportation practices.