The government has intensified efforts to contain the Foot-and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak by setting up roadblocks in the Karasburg district to restrict movement of cloven-hoofed animals and raw animal products.
The outbreak, concentrated in the Karasburg district, was detected at a farm in the area earlier this week after cattle tested positive for FMD.
Police have set up mini roadblocks around the town of Karasburg in efforts to enforce compliance with restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and raw animal products.
Three males were arrested in separate incidents after being found in possession of sheep carcasses during a stop and search operation at one of the roadblocks.
They face charges under the Animal Health Act.
Anyone found guilty of an offence under the said Act could face a fine of 100 thousand dollars or five years' imprisonment or both.
Deputy Commissioner Godfriedt Kauhanda, Operations Head in the ||Kharas Region, stressed, "We are also urging the community to cooperate because this is a national disaster. So, it's a national disaster; we don't want to take chances. We will put all the resources that are available to be used specifically for this operation. So, we are appealing really to people of Karasburg so that we curb this outbreak."
Officials from the Department of Veterinary Services disinfected the vehicle in which the caresses were transported and would destroy the confiscated meat products.
Meanwhile, the Karasburg district communal farmers Marietjie Snewe and Andrew Morkel fear the outbreak could threaten their livelihood, as they solely depend on livestock farming.
"Our livelihood solely depends on livestock farming. We get our milk and meat from our animals because we cannot afford to buy them from butcheries. This outbreak has caught us by surprise."
"If we cannot sell or consume our animals because of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, then we have a serious problem. We are now just waiting for updates on the situation and listening to Kaisames and Afrikaans radio stations on the way forward."
Farming along the Orange River, communal farmer Willem Basson said the Department of Veterinary Services frequently tested his animals for FMD.
"If the Department of Veterinary Services had treated the commercial farmers along the river like they did with me, then I believe the outbreak could have been prevented."
Approached for comment, many commercial farmers in the Karasburg farming district declined to speak on the FMD matter, only describing it as a sensitive issue.