A total of 26 emerging farmers in Klapmuts attended an information day hosted by the provincial Department of Agriculture last Wednesday (18 May).
The information session addressed the issue of African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, hoof trimming, animal identification marks, early disease identification, lumpy skin disease and the one health concept regarding brucellosis, tuberculosis and rabies.
Dr Annelie Cloete, one of the state veterinarians at Veterinary Services, presented on the topics of foot and mouth disease and hoof trimming. Animal health technician of Veterinary Services at the department, Maresa Fourie presented the rest of the topics.
“The goal was to empower these emerging farmers with knowledge and enable them to know what to look for when reporting a sick animal, as well as creating awareness of the current situation regarding foot and mouth disease in the country and what to do to prevent it from entering the Western Cape,” said Fourie.
“We also touched on some regulation of the Animal Diseases Act and the responsibility of farmers and animal owners. I stressed the importance of their co-operation when it came to the testing of animals for brucellosis and tuberculosis as well as vaccinations for rabies.”
The farmers welcomed the information and their participation in discussions made them worthwhile to present, she added. “I want to thank the municipality for availing the community hall for the session. The staff were very helpful and friendly.”
