State Veterinary Services confirmed six cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Nelson Mandela Bay. The city’s public health head denies receiving official notice of the outbreaks.
State Veterinary Services confirmed five cases within Nelson Mandela Bay borders and one near Thornhill. The outbreaks occurred in Bushy Park, Kwanobuhle, Lady Slipper, Motherwell and Rocklands. Deputy director Dr Lungile Jali said the department is rolling out vaccinations and monitoring animal movement.
Councillor Jason Grobbelaar first raised concerns on 13 July after reports from residents. He received confirmation from the state veterinarian during a council meeting on Tuesday. Public health MMC Tshonono Buyeye told council that the directorate had received no communication from the state veterinarian.
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya stated that detection and containment of the disease are responsibilities of the provincial Department of Agriculture under the Animal Diseases Act. The municipality continues to support public awareness and routine environmental health visits.