The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the West Rand District Municipality has now engaged the municipality and the Provincial Veterinary Services following the bungled management of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak locally.
Upon receiving the initial reports that the outbreak had reached Merafong Local Municipality and surrounds, the DA escalated the matter to the West Rand District Municipality and the Provincial Veterinary Services. Authorities initially communicated that the cattle in Kokosi had been treated. It has since been confirmed that only the herd in Extension 1 received treatment, while the herd in Extension 99 remained untreated, leaving the community vulnerable to potential disease spread. And true to form, the disease has now spread.
After consistent pressure by the DA, the Provincial Veterinary Services deployed a veterinarian to Kokosi to collect samples from the affected cattle.
These samples were submitted for laboratory evaluation, and results are pending.
In anticipation of a possible positive diagnosis, a formal request has been made the Provincial Veterinary Service to secure a quarantine area with sufficient grazing capacity and have the affected herd vaccinated. This is essential to contain any outbreak and prevent further risk to livestock owners, the local economy, and the broader agricultural sector.
It is unacceptable for only part of the affected livestock to receive attention while the rest remain at risk. Our community deserves a complete, coordinated response.
Protecting our livestock is protecting our livelihoods, and we expect full accountability from all responsible authorities.
It is exactly this kind of bungled response from local entities that endangers South Africa’s herd.