Foot and mouth disease affects only animals

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - As the concern around foot and mouth disease (FMD) increases, Cairnbrogie dairy farmer Andrew Hill has a clear message: Don't panic. He said there are misconceptions that equate FMD to the hand, foot and mouth disease in children, a common viral illness. "It's not the same."

Hill said people should be given the correct information about FMD and understand what foot and mouth disease is about, how it transmits and why it is important to know about the disease.

FMD is not harmful to humans.

While FMD could have a massive impact on the dairy industry, drinking milk or eating cheese and yoghurt does not hold a threat to human health.

The double-pasteurising process and ultraviolet treatment ensure that dairy products are safe, Hill said.

He stressed that "no trading outlet" will put dangerous products on their shelves and there is no danger to the public from dairy products.

"As a dairy farmer, we've been drinking raw milk daily. And the products from dairies are completely safe."

Biosecurity
Hill said a big problem facing the dairy industry is the informal stock owners.

"Not only cattle, but all cloven-hoofed animals, like sheep and goats.

"There needs to be an understanding of where FMD comes from."

The only way to control and defend against FMD is to follow the biosecurity route, which includes immediately halting the movement of stock.

"We need to shut our gates, shut out people, and secure our fences. Anyone visiting the farm, as traditionally happens, should go through the biosecurity controls such as footbaths and spraying vehicles," he said.

"An outbreak of FMD on a dairy farm can be catastrophic not only for cow health, but for the farmer's livelihood."

FMD causes suffering for affected livestock. It is characterised by lesions on their tongues and feet, and they cannot eat. Unlike the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape has so far been relatively unscathed.

Horrible disease
Hill said it is vital to put up roadblocks along the N2 to control the movement of animals and raw meat products.

"We are in the same boat as the meat producers. But it boils down to animal welfare, getting our vaccination right and keeping the herd virus free," said Hill.

A calf at Cairnbrogie Dairy Farm.Photo: Supplied