KwaZulu-Natal agricultural union urges disaster declaration as foot and mouth disease spreads

THE KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has intensified its calls for KwaZulu-Natal to be declared a disaster area, with concerns growing over the escalating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that threatens the province’s livestock sector.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

As the outbreak tightens its grip, affecting both rural families reliant on livestock for survival and established agribusinesses, Kwanalu believes urgent intervention is critical.

In a statement released last week, Kwanalu underscored the dire situation faced by farmers across the province.

Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu, said they were witnessing intense pressure across the board.

La Marque said that in many rural communities, the sale of a single animal was a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality.

“Some of the country’s most established commercial operations are at risk of closure, while small-scale farmers face impossible choices between following the law and feeding their families,’ she said.

“Kwanalu warns that unless urgent support mechanisms are introduced, including education, mobile permit access, a market within the Disease Management Areas and veterinary services, compliance will remain out of reach for many.”

Furthermore, La Marque sais they welcomed the South African government’s recent push to expand vaccine availability across the province.