Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen met with King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the Mashobeni Royal Palace on Friday 21 February to discuss the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the livestock sector.
Friday’s meeting at the eMashobeni Royal Palace in Nongoma focused on working together and highlighted better ways to manage the disease.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of the provinces most affected by the outbreak. Steenhuisen told the media that he felt it was important to inform the King about his department’s plan to roll out vaccinations in the province.
The main objective was to seek His majesty’s support in controlling the spread of FMD, which has remained a challenge in the region. KwaZulu-Natal continues to be one of the most affected provinces, with over 130 active outbreaks in communal dip tanks, small-scale farms, and five game reserves.
Steenhuisen reassured King Misuzulu that beef remains safe for consumption, as the disease only spreads among animals and does not pose a risk to humans. However, he noted that it has severely impacted the export market, making it vital for the government to contain the outbreak before it affects the economy.
Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, KZN provincial Agriculture and Rural Development MEC said that a task team from her department would visit all districts, collaborating with traditional leaders and livestock owners to begin vaccinating and quarantining the affected animals.
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She further said that they will visit dipping tanks in rural areas to help contain the spread of the diseases.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini declared his strong support for the Department’s initiatives and pledged to lead by example. He invited the Department to his farm to begin vaccinations, showcasing his commitment to disease control and livestock health in the region.
