THORNHILL – Kouga Local Municipality has called on livestock owners to remain on high alert after cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) were confirmed in Thornhill.

According to a statement issued by the municipality, confirmed cases have been identified in Thornhill, the only town in the municipality currently affected.

According to the municipality, cases have also been confirmed in surrounding areas, including Lady Slipper, Rocklands, and areas towards Makhanda and Gqeberha.

“Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The disease has severe economic consequences for the agricultural sector and can spread rapidly if strict biosecurity measures are not followed,” the statement said.

Livestock owners are advised to:

• Regularly inspect their animals for signs of FMD, including excessive salivation, blisters or sores in the mouth, on the tongue, teats and feet, lameness, and reluctance to move.
• Immediately report any suspected cases to the nearest state veterinarian.
• Avoid moving livestock onto or off properties unless it is for slaughter purposes.
• Refrain from buying animals from unknown or unverified sources.
• Restrict unnecessary visitors and vehicles from entering livestock areas, and ensure that equipment, vehicles and footwear are cleaned and disinfected.
• Keep accurate records of animal movements.

The municipality said communal livestock owners are encouraged to work closely with local animal health officials and traditional leadership to ensure that disease control measures are implemented effectively.

The municipality also appealed to the public not to spread unverified information about the outbreak.

“Residents are encouraged to rely on official communication from the Department of Agriculture and Kouga Local Municipality for accurate updates,” the statement said.

The warning comes as national authorities continue to strengthen measures to curb the spread of FMD across South Africa and support affected livestock owners.

As previously reported, Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp announced that the government will end complete state control over the import and distribution of FMD vaccines.

The move brings to an end months of disagreement between agricultural organisations and the Department of Agriculture under former minister John Steenhuisen, which maintained that only the state could lawfully supply FMD vaccines.

Jan de Villiers, the Democratic Alliance’s national spokesperson, said in a media statement on 10 July that the decision will open the door for private entities and farmers to procure vaccines and vaccinate their cattle.