Department of Agriculture Warns Small Stock Farmers Against Grazing at Wetlands

The Department of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, through its Teyateyaneng Resource Centre, has issued a warning to small stock farmers to avoid grazing their flocks at wetlands to prevent the spread of diseases such as Blue Tongue.

Teyateyaneng Resource Centre’s Department of Livestock Area Technical Officer, Ms. Itumelemeng Lekhafola Masupha, addressed farmers on Monday, urging them to monitor their animals closely for any signs of illness. She noted that recent increased rainfall has created swampy and humid conditions, which are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes capable of transmitting the Blue Tongue virus.

Ms. Masupha highlighted that both external and internal parasites are common during the rainy season. Sheep affected by Blue Tongue may exhibit symptoms such as excessive salivation, swollen tongue and lips, nasal discharge, weight loss, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and in severe cases, death of lambs or miscarriage in ewes. Affected sheep may also display fluffy wool, signaling poor health.

Farmers are advised to avoid grazing flocks in wetland areas and to administer preventive medication to sheep every two months. In cases where sheep die from infection, Ms. Masupha emphasized the importance of proper burial to prevent disease spread. Farmers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest Resource Centre.

The World Organization for Animal Health notes that in countries where Blue Tongue is endemic, the disease significantly affects trade due to movement restrictions and costs associated with surveillance, health testing, and vaccination. Vaccination remains the most effective method to reduce losses, complemented by insect control measures to interrupt the virus cycle between animals and vectors.

By following these precautions, small stock farmers can protect their flocks, minimize economic losses, and maintain herd health during the rainy season.