Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism. (Photo: X)
Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism, this week appealed to people not to allow any cloven hooves at agricultural and other fairs in the province amid the ongoing foot and mouth crisis.
Meyer took part in the debate on the provincial speech of the Western Cape premier, Alan Winde, at the Conville Civic Center in George. Winde spoke on Wednesday night.
Tempers in the debate ran high and at times almost turned into a political street fight, but calmed down when Meyer referred to the serious nature of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Meyer said the impact of the disease has already been seen, with a serious outbreak in, among others, the Southern Cape.
The first case of foot-and-mouth disease in the province was already seen in November in Gouda. Thanks to good cooperation between all the role players, the problem was solved immediately.
“I am proud of that collaboration,” said Meyer.
Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for agriculture, economic development and tourism at the Conville Civic Centre. (Photo: Eugene Gunning/Maroela Media)
In February, more cases became known in the Swartland, Mossel Bay and George districts.
The Western Cape government and the prime minister immediately activated the provincial disaster management centre. Preventive action was also taken and cattle at Fisantekraal, which showed no symptoms, were recently vaccinated.
So far, 17 000 animals in the Western Cape have already been vaccinated. By Wednesday, 30,000 doses of vaccine had been received and on Thursday, officials were instructed to bring another 10,000 to the province. Almost 10,000 animals have already been vaccinated in the Garden Route district.
The provincial government has also set aside a total of R100 million for the fight against foot-and-mouth disease and approval has been received to hire additional staff to fight the disease.
Meyer emphasized that the outbreak in the province must be contained. The Western Cape cabinet is also well aware of the seriousness of the situation.
“We are going to fight hard with everything at our disposal.”