TZANEEN — The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded the alarm that 22 local municipalities in Limpopo reportedly do not have operational animal pounds, a shortfall it says is heightening biosecurity risks amid an ongoing foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) response.
DA calls for provincial intervention
DA Member of Parliament Jacques Smalle told the party’s provincial office that the absence of functioning pounds makes it difficult to control stray livestock and enforce movement restrictions — actions central to containing FMD. Smalle said Greater Tzaneen is among the municipalities affected.
“Limpopo is on the frontline of FMD exposure. The province borders neighbouring countries, has a high‑risk wildlife‑livestock interface and serves as a critical buffer protecting the rest of South Africa. Against this background, the absence of properly established and operational animal pounds undermines disease containment and effective livestock control,” said Jacques Smalle.
The DA has urged the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) to use its oversight and intervention powers to establish and restore functional animal pounds across the province.
Provincial agriculture department outlines current measures
Responding to the DA’s concerns, Mosupulogo Mothotse, director of communication services at the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, said Greater Tzaneen falls within an FMD protection zone where cattle are routinely vaccinated.
Mothotse explained that vaccination protocols have changed. Cattle were previously vaccinated every four months using vaccines manufactured in Botswana; they are now vaccinated every six months with vaccines supplied by Dollvet (Türkiye) and Biogenesis Bago (Argentina). She also said regular inspections and movement controls remain in place.
The department said:
- veterinary services carry out weekly, fortnightly and monthly livestock inspections for FMD and other diseases;
- animal movements are regulated through veterinary permits;
- vaccinated cattle are identified with ear tags;
- all affected and at‑risk cattle in the recent Greater Tzaneen outbreak have been vaccinated, with a booster campaign scheduled to commence in September 2026.
Why animal pounds matter
Animal pounds provide municipalities with a place to secure stray animals, assist owners to reclaim livestock and enable enforcement of movement restrictions. In an FMD context, functioning pounds can reduce unauthorised movements that spread disease, help identify infected animals and support quarantine measures.
Smalle’s comments emphasise Limpopo’s unique risk profile: the province shares internal borders with neighbouring countries, features extensive wildlife‑livestock interfaces and acts as a frontline buffer for the rest of South Africa. The DA argues that without properly established pounds, containment efforts are undermined.
Local impact and practical considerations
For livestock owners and communal farmers in affected municipalities, the lack of pounds can complicate compliance. Farmers may struggle to secure stray animals, and enforcement officers face logistical challenges when trying to impound animals involved in transgressions of movement restrictions.
Veterinary permits and ear tagging remain central to the department’s containment strategy. Farmers who are uncertain about permit requirements or vaccination schedules should contact their nearest state veterinary office for guidance and to confirm vaccination dates and tagging procedures.
| Issue | Department position |
|---|---|
| Operational animal pounds | DA: 22 municipalities reportedly lack them; calls for CoGHSTA intervention |
| Vaccination schedule | Now every six months; booster campaign due September 2026 |
| Movement control | Strictly regulated via veterinary permits; vaccinated cattle ear‑tagged |
What officials and farmers can do now
- Provincial authorities: consider targeted support or emergency intervention to re‑establish pounds in affected municipalities, as urged by the DA.
- Municipalities without pounds: clarify interim arrangements for stray management and co‑ordinate with veterinary services to ensure enforcement of movement controls.
- Farmers and livestock owners: ensure cattle are ear‑tagged and that vaccinations are up to date; obtain the necessary veterinary permits before moving animals.
The debate highlights a tension between disease‑control measures managed by veterinary services and the on‑the‑ground capacity of local municipalities to implement supporting infrastructure. As Limpopo prepares for the booster vaccination campaign in September, the presence or absence of animal pounds will remain a practical element of how effectively the province contains further spread of FMD.
Reporting for this article relied on statements reported from the DA and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture.
