Mauritius Beefs Up Biosecurity, Citing 274 South African FMD Outbreaks

The Mauritian government has approved a rigorous new health protocol for imported cattle, specifically targeting consignments from South Africa, as a preventative measure against the introduction of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The decision comes as 274 active outbreaks of the highly contagious viral disease are currently recorded in South Africa.

The Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries will now implement enhanced measures for all imported livestock.

The comprehensive protocol mandates 100% Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) testing for the FMD virus non-structural protein, alongside 10% solid-phase competitive ELISA tests.

Furthermore, two 14-day quarantine periods will be enforced: the first in South Africa prior to departure, and the second upon the cattle’s arrival in Mauritius.

The first shipment of cattle is anticipated on 31st October, sourced from areas certified as a “Free Zone” by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Minister of Agro-Industry, Arvin Boolell, underscored the critical need for vigilance from veterinary services and emphasised the importance of responsible practices among livestock breeders.

He also noted the indispensable nature of strict biosecurity, pointing to the regular re-emergence of other diseases, such as pleuropneumonia.

Minister Boolell commended the swift response of the veterinary services and criticised what he termed the “negligent methods introduced under the former regime.”

Source: Le Mauricien