Implementation of Permit Control Expanded to Cover a Wider Area

Subsequent to the press release of 30 th March the Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Mr. Cobus Dowry has met with members of the South African Pork Producers Organistion and representatives of the Department of Agriculuture, Veterinary Services to discuss the control of present outbreak of Blue ear Disease.

Mr. Dowry said that it had been agreed at the meeting to expand the area under movement restrictions in order to exert more stringent control on the movement of pigs and thus decrease the risk of further spread of the disease.

The boundary of the area will be eastern mountain ranges in starting at Gordon's Bay and stretching along the Hottentots Holland, Du Toitskloof and Limietberge to Gouda with the Berg River being the northern border up to Veldrif on the coast.

Thus the whole area south and west of these boundaries including the Cape Metropol is included. The movement control system will be implemented immediately and this means all movements of pigs into and from these areas requires a "Red" cross permit issued by the State Vet Boland or the State Vet Malmesbury Offices.

Mr. Dowry reiterated that all positive farms remain under quarantine and pigs may only be moved from these properties for slaughter at an abattoir and under cover of a Red Cross permit.

Furthermore, the ban on the sale of live pigs at auctions within the Boland and adjoining areas remains unaltered. The Minister expressed his gratitude towards the South African Pork Producers Organisation and all the small informal farmers for their perseverance and persistent efforts to assist the Department and the whole South African Pork Industry, whether commercial or small farmer to help in minimizing the possible negative impacts on trade within the province as result of the disease.

Additional information can be obtained from the PRRS Hotline manned by the Cape Pork Producers on Cell no: 072 855 4887

Enquiries: Dr Gary Buhrmann
Chief State Veterinarian Boland
Tel: 021 808 5253
Dr. S. Davey

Chief State Veterinarian Malmesbury

Tel: 022 482 1380