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Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984)

Notices

Control Measures relating to Outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease

Part B: Disease Control Measures on Infected Premises and Areas

10. Control Strategy- General Principles

 

This section is intended to guide decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate control measures for a particular outbreak situation.

 

10.1 Once the extent of the outbreak is determined, movement control measures for a wider area may be eased or modified by Veterinary Services to allow for movement of animals from properties not under quarantine or suspicion, according to risk mitigation measures and with the permits or permissions as determined by Veterinary Services.

 

10.2 Any stray cloven-hoofed livestock or buffalo around an FMD outbreak must be viewed as a high risk for spreading of disease, and the local state veterinary services must be informed immediately. Such animals should be detained at suitable locations until they can be dealt with at the discretion of the Director of Animal Health or destroyed if it is not possible to detain. Should an animal be destroyed, samples for FMD testing must be taken. Serum samples must be collected for serological testing, and tissue samples must be collected if any suspect lesions are seen, prior to destruction and safe disposal of the animal carcases.

 

10.3 Options for the control measures to implement during an outbreak of FMD are decided upon depending on the situation on the ground, including the purpose for which the animals are kept, the way they can be contained to prevent mingling with other cloven-hoofed animals, and the cooperation of the animal owners or responsible person.

 

10.4 Depending on the number and sizes of affected locations, the number and species of infected and in-contact susceptible animals, as well as the resources available, a suitable official control and eradication strategy will be adopted for each outbreak situation. While consultation with affected role players and stakeholders will be part of the process, the urgency of timeous action cannot be compromised, especially during the initial stages of a suspected or confirmed outbreak.