Agriculture
(a) What steps has his Department taken to mitigate the risk of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province and (b) how can the support of the South African Police Service for the ban on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals be increased?
[a] Officials from the Programme Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture have been attending roadblocks to inspect vehicles with livestock to check whether the animals are healthy and to check that the correct animal identification documents are present. A training session was arranged to update their knowledge and discuss investigations of suspect cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease [FMD]. They are on high alert to investigate any reports of possible FMD infection and put the necessary controls in place where needed. They are also ensuring that auctions in the area are regularly visited to inspect animals and check on bio-security arrangements. The FMD contingency plans have been reviewed and updated. Subsequent to the movement standstill on livestock, officials have been busy with management and implementation of these restrictions. They are also working with other provinces, the National Director of Animal Health and stakeholders on a livestock movement policy to assist with maintaining FMD free areas. Weekly update meetings with all Provinces, and organised by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development [DALRRD], are attended by officials to ensure that we are aware of the latest developments and staff members are then updated accordingly.
[b] Officials from the Programme Veterinary Services have been engaging with law enforcement officials providing information on what the task entails, and what must be put in place to ensure adherence to movement restriction measures. Publication of regulations governing livestock movement assisted in providing certainties, empowering police, and other law enforcement bodies to intervene with force when transgressions are encountered.
