| Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbite in English and in Afrikaans by Jacqueline Theologo.
The Democratic Alliance is concerned about the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the North West. The disease emerged on a farm between Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom in the North West. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral livestock disease with a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. Transboundary animal disease (TAD) fundamentally affects livestock production and hampers regional and international trade in animals and animal products. Livestock was allegedly brought illegally into the North West Province from an infected area. This illegal activity of bringing the infected animals across the red line has far-reaching consequences for the Red Meat Industry. The DA urges the Department to deal with the outbreak decisively and prevent further infections. MEC Mohono and the SAPS should take serious action against those responsible for the outbreak. The consequence of the FMD can put tremendous strain on the industry and make it almost impossible to farm sustainably with livestock, leading to job losses. The DA agrees with the Animal Health Forum that the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Dediza, publicises the Biosecurity Task team and plans. The DA will submit questions to the MEC of Agriculture to determine their plans to curb this disease. The DA will also write to the MEC requesting her to investigate the outbreak and determine how the livestock was transported from an infected area into North West. Obviously, there is a loophole in regulating livestock transport out of an infected area that should be closed. The Department should do proper consequence management. Perhaps it is even time for new innovative legislation. The fact that the Department now relies on farmers, auctioneers and all other role players to apply more Biosecurity measures is proof that the Department is failing in its mandate. The citizens have no confidence that this outbreak will be adequately dealt with. The DA is concerned about the developing sector, which is dependent on selling their cattle at auctions to put food on the table for their families and cover their operating costs. MEC Mohono must explain how she will protect these industries from total collapse. The DA will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible are taken to task and that the Department deals with this speedily. |