NEWSROOM (ADV) – Food and mouth disease has been detected in the South African province of Limpopo (north-east), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (AFF) said on Tuesday.
AFF reported that samples taken from cattle that were lame were found to be positive for Food-and-mouth disease.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cows, pigs (domestic and wild), sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals.
“A team of experts from the Limpopo Ministry and Veterinary Services is currently on the ground to investigate, verify the results and determine the extent of the outbreak,” said FMD spokesman Khaye Nkwanyana.
The International Organization for Animal Health (OAH) was informed Monday of the presence of the disease in the South African province. Following this, the OIE temporarily suspended South Africa’s status as a food-and-mouth disease free country.
“The affected area has been quarantined and no movement of animals and animal products is allowed,” said Nkwanyana.
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