Foot-and-mouth outbreak: SA resumes exports

South Africa – The county is winning the battle to contain a foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak. 
On Monday 17 February minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza announced the lifting of a ban on the trade of livestock. 

In the 15 November 2019 issue of Platinum Bushvelder, we reported how the export of cloven-hoofed animals and related fresh products to Zimbabwe had been stopped following an outbreak of the disease in the Molemole District of Limpopo.

Exports to eSwatini were also halted when reports of the outbreak reached that country.
The ban was a necessary measure by the department to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the country.   

The good news is that the country can now resume its trade activities with the two countries, a clear sign that efforts by the department to contain the disease are bearing fruit. 

Said Didiza: “In our approach, we had to balance amongst a few variables, the risks and opportunity costs relating to the possible spread of the disease, economic losses to the entire country and financial losses to stakeholders.” 

The ministers said auctions, which had also been banned, will now also resume under stringent conditions. 
“All livestock agents must be registered with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council,” said Didiza.