This week, dairy farmers near Addo Elephant National Park should contact their state veterinarian before moving susceptible animals, tightening routine biosecurity while veterinary authorities assess the outbreak. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in two kudu in the park; an estimated 5% to 10% of the kudu population was showing lameness. Red hartebeest and eland were also showing clinical signs, but infection in those species had not been confirmed, according to Farmer’s Weekly. The park, about 180,000ha near Gqeberha, is under quarantine.
The practical message is not to diagnose wildlife or livestock from a distance. It is to check current local movement restrictions and risk assessments, keep records of people and vehicles entering the dairy, and report suspected FMD promptly to the local state veterinarian. FMD can spread through infected animals and products, as well as contaminated people, clothing, equipment and vehicles.
Start with movements and the farm gate
SANParks says susceptible cloven-hoofed animals may not enter or leave Addo without veterinary authorisation following a risk assessment. Farmers bordering the park should coordinate with veterinary services, observe restrictions and maintain strict biosecurity. Do not assume that previously reported vaccination figures mean every nearby herd is covered: coverage immediately around Addo and required follow-up doses have not been independently confirmed.
For the dairy, make this week’s check concrete: review who is authorised to enter; ask visitors about recent contact with livestock; limit unnecessary vehicle access; and clean equipment and footwear where appropriate. Avoid bringing in animals unless essential. If animals must be purchased, use a planned isolation, quarantine and testing programme before joining them to the resident herd. The same discipline applies to home-raised animals returning after leaving the premises. Separation should prevent exposure through feed, air space, manure or urine, and shared equipment.
FMD warning signs can include depression, mouth sores, reluctance to eat and lameness. These signs are not proof of FMD, but they warrant prompt veterinary advice, especially where local risk is elevated. Do not move a suspect animal or try to manage an outbreak alone; follow directions from the state veterinary service.
Use vaccination as a veterinary plan, not a guess
Ask your veterinarian or state veterinary service to check the herd’s vaccination status against current local risk, product instructions and any applicable response measures. Farmer’s Weekly reported that vaccination of 418,176 farm animals across Sarah Baartman District and Nelson Mandela Bay had previously been reported. That figure does not establish coverage on every farm bordering Addo, nor confirm that required follow-up doses have been given. Keep animal identification and vaccination records accessible so gaps can be checked quickly.
The same principle applies to vaccines for other diseases: build the programme around the farm’s disease risks and breeding calendar, with veterinary guidance. A current Irish report of bluetongue virus serotype 3 cases is not evidence of BTV-3 in South Africa. It is a reminder not to import overseas vaccination schedules as local advice; discuss locally relevant vaccines and timing with your veterinarian.
Protect the next generation before calving
A strong biosecurity plan includes the calf, not just the milking herd. Prepare before calving: assess cow health and pre-calving nutrition, then check the newborn and the quality and quantity of colostrum. A South African Farmers’ Weekly calf-management article recommends the first colostrum feed as soon as possible, ideally within one to two hours after birth; it also advises discussing suitable vaccination programmes with a veterinarian, since appropriate pre-calving vaccination can increase targeted antibodies in colostrum.
Make the routine repeatable: test colostrum quality, keep a bank of good-quality colostrum available, and feed promptly at a suitable temperature. The MaxMedia calf guidance stresses high-quality colostrum immediately after birth, followed by transition milk for three days, clean and consistent milk feeding, dry warm bedding and clean water. Work from the youngest calves towards older groups to reduce the risk of carrying disease from older animals to vulnerable young calves.
Check tick control and cow comfort
In KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial Veterinary Services distributed dipping chemicals to 126 diptanks in the AbaQulusi area outside Vryheid as part of routine tick control. The department links dipping to control of ticks that transmit redwater, gallsickness and heartwater. Its advised summer intervals are every 14 days inland and every seven days in coastal districts; confirm the schedule that applies locally, as well as product instructions, with veterinary staff. The handover forms part of routine distribution to 2,238 diptank facilities across the province. If your herd relies on communal or local dipping infrastructure, check whether supplies are available and confirm timing, dilution and animal-handling procedures.
Also use the week to watch cows closely around calving and early lactation. Daily changes in eating behaviour and rumination can help flag an animal that is not coping; earlier observation allows earlier action. Review dry-cow nutrition and comfort rather than allowing cows to lose condition or face avoidable stress. These routines do not replace diagnosis or veterinary care, but they make problems easier to spot and help reduce preventable exposure across the herd.
Key points
- Ask the state veterinarian about current Addo-area movement restrictions and risk assessments before moving susceptible animals.
- Review farm-gate access, visitor and vehicle hygiene, animal isolation and records; report suspected FMD promptly.
- Verify vaccination status and follow-up needs with veterinary services; do not infer local coverage from district totals.
- Prepare for calving with a colostrum plan and feed the first colostrum promptly; check tick-control schedules and product directions locally.