Foot-and-mouth disease: minister lifts ban on livestock auctions

THE ban has been lifted on livestock auctions that halted trade in cattle, sheep and other animals following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo last year.

The decision follows a briefing between Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza and a technical task team at the weekend.

“There are preconditions for the resumption of auctions. Auctions will only be conducted under stringent conditions. All livestock agents must be registered with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council,” Didiza said yesterday.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Following initial investigations, the outbreak was linked to four auctions held at two auction premises in September and October last year.

The national ban on livestock auctions, implemented last year, was challenged in the North Gauteng High Court by read meat associations.

Didiza yesterday said that around 160 properties were identified with links to the auctions.

“In total, 18 farms were identified where animals tested positive for FMD. Most of the affected properties are commercial cattle farms, including a number of feedlots, which are fortunately all well fenced and where the animals are individually identified and proper records are kept,” Didiza said.

She warned, however, that lifting the temporary ban on gatherings of animals did not mean it was safe.

“I am aware of the social and economic impact this decision had on livestock owners, traders and the general sector stakeholders.

“I want to reassure the nation that this decision was not taken lightly and was implemented as a disease control measure,” Didiza said.