Foot-and-mouth disease: practical and urgent proposals for the Western Cape

Image: courtesy of FF Plus

The current foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which has now spread to the Western Cape, requires a sober, coordinated and practical response that balances animal health, farming sustainability and national food security.

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Western Cape notes with approval the R100 million allocated by the provincial government for procuring vaccines. While it is unclear whether these funds will be sufficient and available in time, it is an important first step in taking decisive action.

The Freedom Front Plus urges the authorities in the Western Cape along with the private sector to procure vaccines themselves, as there is currently no evidence of any legislation prohibiting this.

Furthermore, it is essential that the Western Cape urgently establish its own SANAS-accredited provincial laboratory to test samples, including blood samples, locally.

This capacity should have been in place long ago and is a critical requirement for fast, accurate and independent decision-making.

Attention should also be given to ensuring there are abattoirs where animals that have been exposed can be slaughtered across the province. Existing abattoir regulations will inevitably have to be revised and should, therefore, already be placed on the agenda.

The Freedom Front Plus warns against using draconian movement control measures as the sole containment mechanism. Food security is inextricably linked to the ability to transport animals to abattoirs. 

A total transport ban would have serious and unintended consequences. Practical exemptions for slaughter purposes should form part of control measures, such as movement restrictions, disinfection and access control.

The current confusion surrounding movement permits further highlights the urgent need for a uniform national policy.

Different rules for different provinces create confusion, undermine law enforcement and will repeat the problems already experienced in other parts of the country in the Western Cape.

The province should not make the mistake of regarding the cases in Mossel Bay and Wellington as isolated. Elsewhere in the country, similar situations started small and spread rapidly. 

It is encouraging that the province's veterinary services recognise the seriousness of the situation and are acting quickly.

Sustained, constructive pressure and support from all role players are, however, essential to ensure that the provincial government remains proactive, prepared and effective.