Foot-and-mouth disease spreads in Nelson Mandela Bay, raising fears for local dairy industry
Agri Eastern Cape has sought a legal opinion on whether or not municipalities can be held liable for any losses farmers or livestock owners suffer if it is found foot-and-mouth disease was spread through stray animals or animals grazing on municipal land.
Foot-and-mouth disease has spread to Nelson Mandela Bay, raising concerns about the local dairy industry. Agri Eastern Cape has sought legal advice on potential liability for farmers if the disease is traced back to stray animals or municipal grazing land. Despite awareness campaigns and vaccination efforts, the disease has now reached the Walmer Township area, with more confirmed cases in regions near the initial outbreak.
Agricultural officials emphasize the need for containment to prevent further spread to high-production regions like Kouga and Tsitsikamma. However, municipal authorities seem reluctant to take a more active role, despite councillors raising the issue in council meetings. The lack of urgency from the municipality has sparked questions about potential legal action against the city for any losses farmers may incur due to the disease.
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