Swartland Municipality has noted with great concern the confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in the neighbouring municipality of Drakenstein, as well as suspected cases of the disease in the City of Cape Town (Khayelitsha).
Swartland Municipality is working with the State Veterinary Services, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders to enforce biosecurity measures. To prevent the spread of FMD, the transport of cattle should be limited or avoided where possible. Swartland Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement has been instructed to assist the Provincial Traffic Enforcement, where possible, in policing the transport and movement of cattle.
FMD remains a state-controlled disease, and the Department of Veterinary Services is responsible for the containment thereof. It is, however, essential that all stakeholders give their full cooperation in the implementation and enforcement of biosecurity measures. We urge all local farmers, both large and small, to cooperate and act to protect their interests.
Swartland Municipality will give its full cooperation to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the National Department of Agriculture and Western Cape Disaster Management to help prevent the spread of this disease.
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