Berea, May 15 ___ The Teya-Teyaneng Resource Centre has on Wednesday held an awareness campaign for farmers in Teya-Teyaneng aimed at educating them about the dangers and prevention of Foot-and-mouth disease.

Speaking during the campaign, District Veterinarian Dr. Lebohang Morake said the disease has been detected in Ha Mokhothu, Teya-Teyaneng, and appears to be spreading within the district.

She explained that Foot-and-mouth disease mainly affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

Dr. Morake said common signs of the disease include mouth sores that cause excessive salivation as well as cracked feet.
She also noted that infected animals produce less milk, negatively affecting farmers’ productivity and income.

Dr. Morake further advised farmers and consumers that milk can be pasteurised to destroy harmful germs, thereby reducing the risk of infection and making it safer for consumption.

She said the disease has already disrupted markets for milk, meat, wool and mohair, adding that mohair exports will only continue under strict conditions requiring treatment to eliminate possible virus contamination.

Dr. Morake urged farmers to buy animals only with valid permits and ensure that livestock are tested before slaughter in order to help prevent the spread of the disease.