English
Veterinary services fear that there might be an increase in foot and mouth disease as Zimbabwe is allegedly cutting down border fences, allowing for livestock to enter South Africa.
Limpopo’s veterinary experts stated on Wednesday that Zimbabwean farmers were allowing their starving cattle to enter the South African border and feed on the grassy areas along the Limpopo River. This comes as both countries battle drought.
Limpopo Agriculture MEC, Joy Matshokge, met up with the Agriculture portfolio committee and said, “they, the Zimbabwean farmers, are cutting the fences because of the drought to allow their cattle to come and graze in our area.”
Matshokge did confirm that there was an increase in foot and mouth disease cases. This was due to animals mixing with wild animals.
Approximately 150km of grazing areas along the Limpopo River has been declared a danger for foot and mouth disease.
Read the ENCA article here.
