NOLUVO MGIJIMA
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa conducted a one-day engagement session with commercial farmers of the Kokstad area and surroundings to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and to outline strategies on how farmers can protect their livestock across the province.
The recent meeting at the Kokstad City Hall was as a result of the threatening Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in several districts in the northern and central regions of KZN.
Affected areas experienced the impact of the disease with farmers only able to sell animals and their products locally due to stringent containment measures. The MEC said the Harry Gwala district has not yet been affected by the disease.
However, she cautioned livestock producers and said the outbreak caused the collapse of the economy and international trading.
She called for farmers to be on the lookout for swollen feet and mouths of their livestock, as they could be the signs of the disease.
“The collaboration will help us to maintain the economy,” she said. Farmer Sisa Mpongoma said farmers have been forced to spend double every month in order to maintain production. He said the selling capacity has dropped due to the outbreak.
