An increasing number of cases of the livestock disease Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) are being reported in the Merafong City Local Municipality. The FMD outbreak in Merafong started in the Fochville and Losberg area in September last year. According to Dr Yusra Da Costa, a State Veterinarian from Randfontein, the disease has since spread to other parts of our area.
“We have picked up a lot of new cases and are doing a lot of tests. We have picked up cases in Carletonville, Tarlton, and Magalies,” says Dr Da Costa. She says the biggest reason for the growing outbreak is the fact that livestock owners do not keep to regulations prohibiting the moving of animals.
A significant problem veterinarians are currently facing is a shortage of FMD vaccine. This is, however, expected to end soon, and then vaccinations will be able to continue. According to Dr Da Costa, adult cattle usually survive FMD, but they can be reinfected if they are not vaccinated.
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Calves, however, usually die from the disease. Livestock owners who need more information can contact the State Veterinarian from Randfontein on 072 900 0869.
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