30 Arrested for defying FMD restrictions
By Delisa Magagula
Thirty people, including farmers, farm owners, and business operators, have been arrested for violating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions by moving cattle during the country’s on-going outbreak.
Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, strongly condemned the actions, describing them as selfish and reckless.
He said such behaviour undermines national efforts to contain the disease and protect the livestock industry.
“This is witchcraft. These individuals are only looking out for their own interests while putting the entire nation’s herd at risk. It is wrong and unacceptable,”
The arrests come at a critical time, as Eswatini continues to battle a surge in FMD cases. The Ministry of Agriculture has imposed strict controls on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, and pigs, to curb the spread of the highly contagious viral disease.
Under current FMD regulations, the movement of cattle is prohibited without prior authorisation from veterinary authorities.
Farmers and traders are required to comply with quarantine measures, inspections, and vaccination campaigns.
Any violation of these rules carries heavy penalties, including arrest, fines, and the possible destruction of infected animals.
Officials noted that moving cattle without clearance not only risks spreading the disease to new areas but also threatens national and regional trade.
FMD is one of the most feared animal diseases globally because of its severe economic consequences.
Though it does not affect humans, it spreads rapidly among animals and reduces productivity through weight loss, decreased milk yields, and in severe cases, death.
In Eswatini, the livestock sector is a crucial part of the rural economy and household income.
The country also relies heavily on beef exports, particularly to the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. An uncontrolled outbreak could lead to export bans, further straining the economy.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Eswatini has previously experienced FMD outbreaks that led to significant losses.
Regional partners, including South Africa and Botswana, have also suffered periodic outbreaks, highlighting the importance of strict disease control.
Minister Tshawuka urged farmers and business owners to take responsibility and comply fully with veterinary directives.
He warned that anyone found flouting the regulations would face the full force of the law.
“Government has made it clear: these restrictions are not a suggestion, they are mandatory. Those who defy them put the livelihoods of thousands at risk,” the Minister said.
He also appealed for unity and cooperation, emphasising that the livestock industry’s survival depends on collective action.
“We cannot allow a few people’s greed to undo the hard work being done to contain this disease,” Tshawuka said.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Agriculture has intensified surveillance, vaccination, and awareness campaigns in affected areas.
Veterinary teams are monitoring farms, enforcing quarantines, and working with community leaders to spread information about the dangers of non-compliance.
The arrests of the 30 individuals are expected to serve as a warning to others. Authorities say investigations are on-going, and further arrests may follow if additional violations are discovered.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
It is characterised by fever, blisters in the mouth and feet, excessive salivation, and lameness.
The virus spreads easily through direct contact between animals, contaminated feed, equipment, or even by humans who have been in contact with infected livestock.
Outbreaks can devastate national herds, leading to mass culling and severe economic losses.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recommends immediate reporting, strict movement controls, and vaccination as the primary tools for managing outbreaks.
Eswatini, as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is bound by regional protocols to report and manage FMD outbreaks promptly. Compliance is crucial to maintaining trade access and safeguarding food security.
As Eswatini intensifies its fight against FMD, authorities stress that cooperation from all stakeholders is the only way to protect the livestock sector and the broader economy.
The arrests underscore the government’s determination to enforce restrictions and safeguard the national herd.
Minister Tshawuka said they are dealing with a national crisis.
Anyone who disregards these measures is working against the country. Let us work together to defeat FMD and protect our farmers’ livelihoods.
