Picture the scene: a farm quarantined due to the raging Foot and Mouth Disease (“FMD”) in the Eastern Cape, yet the Department of Agriculture does not deem it to add “value to disease control” when concerns are raised about an irregular increase in cattle on the quarantined farm.
The NSPCA is deeply concerned about the lack of investigation and transparency regarding FMD protocols and procedures, after we were sandbagged and our concerns about a quarantined farm having substantially more cattle than before being scraped under the carpet.
Despite raising the alarm in May 2024, the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (“DRDAR”) State Veterinary Services simply stated that there could be no movement from a quarantined facility. Then, addressing our concern to the Department of Agriculture National Director of Animal Health, we were met with excuses (including supposed compliance with the POPIA) instead of the necessary due diligence. This lack of accountability is concerning and indicative of systemic issues that compromise animal welfare and animal health.
Later in July 2024, NSPCA Inspectors conducted an inspection under warrant at the quarantined facility, where approximately 2,000 cattle were counted. Startlingly, a subsequent inspection in August 2024, revealed more than 4,400 cattle present at the same quarantined facility. As the NSPCA sought clarification on the alarming increase in cattle density amidst an FMD outbreak, the owners dismissed these concerns, insisting that it was “none of the SPCA’s business”.
This situation raises serious questions regarding the management of quarantined properties and underscores a critical need for rigorous state veterinary oversight.
In light of these ongoing issues, the matter was escalated to Minister Steenhuisen on 03 September 2024. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive a response.
As the only statutory body mandated to deal with animal welfare in South Africa, the NSPCA remains resolute in advocating for the welfare of animals, with a specific focus on those within this facility, where the risk of disease transmission is heightened. The scourge of FMD, and the associated risks to animal health and animal welfare, can only be mitigated through a transparent and proactive stance in managing disease outbreaks.
Without due diligence on behalf of Provincial and National Departments of Agriculture – do we wonder why we are plagued with disease?
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