Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has announced the formation of a rapid response team dedicated to managing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This initiative follows the recent declaration of a Disease Management Area (DMA) to control the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, and their products in designated regions to curb the spread of the disease.

The team, established under the Animal Diseases Act, includes experts such as Dr. Mpho Maja, Dr. Shaun Morris, Dr. J Strydom, Dr. Patricia Froneman, Dr. Matlou Rabala, and Dr. Gerhard Neethling. Their primary role is to provide immediate support and make critical decisions within the first 48 hours of an outbreak.

This proactive measure was taken after cattle on 26 farms in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities in the Eastern Cape tested positive for FMD. The affected farms are now under quarantine with strict movement controls, and the cattle have been vaccinated to reduce viral load and control symptoms, particularly in dairy cattle.

The department emphasizes the importance of the FMD incubation period, a critical time when the virus can spread undetected. Farmers are urged to practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their livestock and prevent the disease from spreading further.

Under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, it is mandatory for animal owners and managers to take all reasonable precautions to prevent their animals from contracting or spreading any disease.