Countrywide ban on cattle movement to curb foot and mouth disease

The ban, which is in effect for the next 21 days, will be reviewed weekly.

There have been 116 cases confirmed of the infectious disease to date in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State.

Spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture Reggie Ngcobo says 15 new properties and two new provinces have reported outbreaks over the past two weeks.

"Any disregard for the movement ban is a criminal offence. The exception will only be upon veterinary permit for cattle for direct slaughter at registered abattoirs and slaughter for ritual purposes.”

Ngcobo says cattle which are already at shows or auctions will be given 48 hours to move to the final destination after being sold.

"The local state veterinary office should be contacted for these permits. The minister recognises the major disruption that the movement ban will cause in the normal business of many sectors. For this reason, the ban is only applicable to cattle, as the movement of cattle was identified as the main cause of the continued spread of the outbreaks.  

“However, the public is reminded that all cloven-hoofed animals can spread Foot and Mouth Disease Virus, and the movement of sheep, goats, pigs and cloven-hoofed game animals should also be handled with the necessary caution," says Ngcobo.

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