Mohale’s Hoek – As the district continues to make plans to curb the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) recently detected in Hloahloeng, another challenge has emerged following the death of several horses in the area.
This was revealed during a councillors’ sitting convened at Senqunyane Community Council on Wednesday, where Ha ’Muso Electoral Division Councillor, Mr. Lekena Bereng, raised concern over the alarming rate at which horses are dying. He appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition to deploy community-based pre veterinarians to assist with basic livestock treatments such as vaccinations, in order to curb further spread and fatalities while awaiting the arrival of the District Veterinary team.
The Area Extension Officer, Mr. Bohlale Matsoso, informed the meeting that the disease affecting the horses is African Horse Sickness. He indicated that his office has received reports on the outbreak, noting that infected horses usually die within two days of showing symptoms. He urged farmers to act swiftly by organising themselves to procure vaccines instead of waiting for government intervention.
Mr. Matsoso further outlined symptoms of the disease as swelling of the head, neck and area above the eyes, high fever, foamy nasal discharge and reddening of the eyes. He encouraged farmers to administer antibiotics to infected horses while making arrangements to vaccinate their livestock.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Senqunyane Community Council, Mr. Senyane Mokhethi, stressed the importance of local authorities taking a leading role in combating the spread of FMD. He urged councillors to disseminate information to communities under their jurisdictions.
In addition, Lits’oeneng Electoral Division Councillor, Mr. Mothobi Rakolobe, proposed that government consider providing financial assistance to farmers who may suffer losses due to their inability to sell wool and mohair as a result of the FMD outbreak.
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