Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Engages Red Meat Industry on Foot and Mouth Disease Control

Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC, Ms Nonceba Kontsiwe, recently convened a strategic meeting with key representatives from the red meat industry, including national and provincial leadership, alongside the SAPS head of rural safety, to address the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the province.

During the meeting, MEC Kontsiwe highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to manage and contain FMD. “The meeting seeks to find ways and means to manage the spread of the disease in the province. We have discovered that the disease is spreading in areas we were previously unaware of, largely due to livestock movement,” she explained. She emphasised that controlling livestock movement is critical to preventing further outbreaks and urged farmers to take responsibility in restricting the transport of animals.

The MEC acknowledged the importance of collaboration between government and industry. “The department cannot do this alone, that is why we roped in Agri Eastern Cape because they are organised across the province,” she said. This partnership aims to strengthen communication, monitoring, and rapid response to any reported FMD cases, ensuring livestock owners are supported while maintaining strict disease control measures.

The meeting also explored additional measures to safeguard the province’s livestock sector, including enhancing rural safety protocols, improving reporting mechanisms, and raising awareness about the economic and health impacts of FMD. By involving industry stakeholders, MEC Kontsiwe seeks to create a proactive approach that protects farmers, livestock, and the broader agricultural economy of the Eastern Cape.

MEC Kontsiwe’s engagement underscores the provincial government’s commitment to working with farmers and law enforcement to mitigate FMD risks and ensure sustainable livestock farming practices. Livestock owners are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious cases promptly, and cooperate with authorities to curb the spread of this contagious disease.