South African farmers, including red meat producers, are challenging industry bodies to account for funds meant to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
They say they have been paying for prevention efforts for years, but outbreaks have continued with little transparency on how the funds are being used.
South Africa is dealing with 274 unresolved outbreaks across five provinces. Limited vaccine availability has worsened the situation.
Attorney Ann-Suhet Marx says her clients need answers.
“Our clients are currently paying statutory levies, which is R14.33 per head of slaughtered cattle. And these funds are actually earmarked for the monitoring and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease.
“But despite these contributions, what we’ve noticed and from our clients’ instructions, foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks are still continuing. There’s export markets being restricted.”
– SABC
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