The Eastern Cape Agriculture Department has imposed a 30-day restriction on animal movement across the province, except for slaughter, following confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease case in Amahlathi Local Municipality. Suspected cases have also been reported in other areas, with affected farms placed under quarantine.
The Eastern Cape provincial government has taken swift action to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease by restricting all animal movements within the province for 30 days, with the exception of those destined for slaughter. This precautionary measure comes after a single confirmed case in the Amahlathi Local Municipality.
Agriculture MEC Spokesperson Atule Joka confirmed the diagnosis and noted additional suspected instances in Dutywa, Matatiele, and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality. 'Suspected cases showing symptoms of Foot-and-Mouth Disease have also been reported in areas such as Dutywa, Matatiele and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality,' Joka stated. The implicated farms have been quarantined to prevent further transmission.
Foot-and-mouth disease poses a significant threat to livestock health and the agricultural economy. A related vaccination drive for cattle against the disease has been mentioned in provincial efforts. The restriction aims to contain the outbreak effectively during this period.