Update
OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Only one confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease has been reported in the Oudtshoorn area, despite earlier confusion during a council meeting held on Monday 4 May.
During the meeting, reference was mistakenly made to two incidents.
Dr Cathy Fox, state veterinarian for Oudtshoorn, confirmed that there has been only one confirmed case to date.
According to Fox, the infected cattle belong to a small scale farmer on the northern side of Oudtshoorn. Veterinary authorities have already implemented vaccinations and precautionary measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
Approximately 14 surrounding farms are currently being visited and monitored as part of containment efforts.
“The area is not cattle-dense, and we are doing everything possible to vaccinate and test the cattle before the rain starts,” Fox explained.
She added that wet conditions could pose a risk to animals, as rain may cause stress and increase the possibility of cattle slipping or sustaining injuries while being handled and treated.
Veterinary teams are also investigating a 10 km radius around the affected property to ensure that the virus has not spread to neighbouring farms.
Stefan Smith, chairman of the Klein Karoo Agriculture Association, said the case came to light when the farmer intended to send cattle to an auction. Under current foot-and-mouth disease regulations, all animals must undergo inspection, and any lesions must be identified before transport to auctions is permitted.
As part of ongoing biosecurity measures, roadblocks have also been established to monitor livestock movement in the area.
Authorities have urged farmers to remain vigilant and comply with inspection protocols to limit any potential spread of the disease.
Read the updated version of the previous article here: Bek-en-klouseer in Oudtshoorn: kommer oor rondlopende plaasdiere
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
