Matatiele Local Municipality Engages Stakeholders on Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

The Matatiele Local Municipality today convened a stakeholder engagement session on the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the New Council Chambers. The meeting brought together traditional leaders, ward councillors, local farmers and officials from the Department of Agriculture to share information and engage in dialogue on the current situation.

Presenting on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Dr Ndzamela explained that Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. She outlined the clinical signs of the disease, which include fever, excessive drooling of saliva, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, sores or tears on the hooves, a drop in milk production, poor growth, lameness and reluctance to walk.

Dr Ndzamela further revealed that a total of 12 cases has been investigated, with six confirmed positives for Foot and Mouth Disease. She emphasized the importance of early reporting and adherence to control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

She also informed stakeholders that an awareness campaign targeting various wards across the municipality is currently being rolled out. The campaign will be reinforced through ongoing communication with ward councillors and traditional leaders to ensure communities and farmers are well informed about prevention, symptoms and reporting procedures.

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