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Cows feeding
The foot-and-mouth outbreak, which is now in its fourth year in KwaZulu-Natal, has the potential to cost meat producers millions of rands, according to the chairperson of the Red Meat Producers’ Association in KZN, Angus Williamson.
In recent months, the outbreak has spread beyond the initial disease management area.
The outbreak has also affected commercial feedlots and dairy farmers.
Farmers are concerned that the outbreak will cripple meat production.
Williamson, who has attended a meeting with Agriculture MEC Thembeni Mthethwa in Durban, says he’s concerned about the movement of livestock.
“I think the biggest issue with regards to FMD is the access to market, we are unable to market our livestock, and to get a buyer is a challenge. The price has been affected by this. The challenge is a free movement of the livestock around the country.”
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