New rapid response team launched to combat foot-and-mouth disease

Source: Lollie-Pop via Wikimedia Commons

The team is mandated to provide immediate support and critical decision-making assistance within the first 48 hours in the occurrence of an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

The team comprises seven government and industry experts, including Dr Mpho Maja, Dr Shaun Morris, Dr J Strydom, Dr Patricia Froneman, Dr Matlou Rabala and Dr Gerhard Neethling.

They will ensure regular communication, assist with guidelines on how affected farmers handle milk, meat, or other produce out of affected areas and rope in agricultural specialists to advise on the economic impact on the affected areas.