KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna and surrounding farming communities are facing growing uncertainty as ongoing foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks elsewhere in South Africa place increasing pressure on local farmers and agricultural organisations.

Strict livestock movement restrictions, introduced to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease, are having a noticeable impact across the region.

Although no confirmed cases have been reported within Knysna itself, farmers in the broader Garden Route area are already feeling the effects of national and provincial control measures.

Knysna Farmers' Association

The Knysna Farmers' Association said the immediate priority is for members of the public to respect farmgate protocols and adhere to strict biosecurity measures.

The association has also called for in-creased veterinary capacity, improved access to vaccines and clearer communication from authorities.

In this regard, the association expressed concern about the long-standing problem of free-roaming animals in the streets and surrounding areas of Knysna.

It said it hopes the local municipality and police will strengthen enforcement to reduce the risk these animals pose in the context of the current outbreak.

While the association said farmers have not yet experienced significant income losses, it acknowledged that strict control measures are necessary to protect the livestock industry and prevent wider economic damage.

"Right now, we are looking for assistance from Garden Route Disaster Management to help set up manning and monitoring points along the roads from Plettenberg Bay to Hoekwil to restrict the movement of animals in and out of the area. We understand that this places an additional burden on authorities, but it is essential. In other parts of the country, these measures have proven highly effective in controlling the spread of the disease," the association said.

The association also raised concerns about vaccine availability, noting that vaccines are nationally regulated and that there may not be sufficient supply to meet demand.

A meeting between the Garden Route Disaster Management team and the Knysna Farmers' Association, scheduled for Monday 9 February, was postponed.

Livestock farmers potentially affected

There is no official figure for the number of livestock farmers operating specifically in the Knysna area. However, the region forms part of the Southern Cape, which includes a diverse mix of dairy, beef, small-stock and small-scale livestock operations.

Agricultural role players estimate that dozens, and possibly hundreds, of farmers in the broader area could be affected directly or indirectly.

Even farmers without infected animals are experiencing disruptions due to movement restrictions, cancelled livestock auctions and increased biosecurity costs.

Strict movement controls in place

Foot and mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. To curb its spread, authorities have implemented strict controls on the movement of livestock. 

These measures include quarantine zones around confirmed outbreaks, often extending up to 10 kilometres, where animals may not be moved on or off farms without official permits.

Livestock auctions, informal sales and the transport of animals are prohibited unless authorised by state veterinary services.

Farmers are also required to implement heightened biosecurity measures, including the disinfection of vehicles and equipment, restricted access to farms and detailed record-keeping of all animal and visitor movements.

What farmers are advised to do

Signs of foot and mouth disease include excessive salivation, sores in the mouth, lameness and lesions on the hooves.

Farmers are advised to halt all non-essential livestock movements, limit visitors to their properties and ensure strict hygiene protocols are followed.

Co-operation with veterinary officials and full compliance with disease control regulations are considered critical to preventing further spread.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalties under animal disease control legislation.

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