11 April 2011, KwaZulu-Natal Province (KZN)

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and its provincial counterparts have conducted intensive state veterinary investigations over the past 8 weeks in the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Controlled Area in the northern part of the KwaZulu-Natal Province (KZN).

The investigations have shown no evidence of active FMD, or any spread of the virus.

Given the reduction of the risk profile, the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is therefore able to announce the relaxation of the movement control measures out of the infected zone as was declared previously (east of the R66 road and north of the Umfolozi River).

Meat hanged out to dry, as well as matured animal carcasses, will be allowed to be moved out of the FMD infected zone, as it is regarded to pose a minimal risk of transmitting the virus.

Live animals, however, will not be allowed to be moved out of the FMD infected zone.

For more information, contact:

Selby Bokaba
Spokesperson: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Cell: 082 778 0245
The technical spokesperson on FMD is Dr Botlhe Modisane
Cell: 082 377 086