Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Ms Nomakhosazana Meth on Thursday attended to the African armyworm outbreak in Fairban village of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has activated a technical team to help fight the African armyworm that are destroying pastures and grasslands in Amathole, Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani districts.
This outbreak comes hot on the heels of one of the worst droughts in living memory and affects our communities in tandem with Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Districts that were heavily affected by drought, who are now experiencing a resurgence of greener pastures and grasslands are encouraged to conduct vigorous scouting for the insect both in maize fields and pastures.
Whilst the province struggled with feed during drought resulting in farmers being unable to sell their animals, they are now facing yet another challenge of African armyworm outbreak. The insects are attacking grasslands and pastures, and livestock are at risk of falling ill due to armyworm related poisoning.
Stressed Thobani Hans, a farmer at Fairban village said “We are really feeling the pain. Our livestock will not survive this without support.
“We appreciate the swift response by the department.”
During her visit to the Fairban village, MEC Meth, urged livestock farmers to be on the lookout for the African armyworm and to immediately report these to local agricultural extension officers.
“Once noticed, livestock should be moved from the infested pastures, and be located in unaffected areas where they will be monitored for signs of poisoning,” she said.
“While grazing on African armyworm-infested veld and pastures, livestock could inadvertently consume the larvae, or feed on cynide poisoned and fall ill.
“Signs to note off this poisoning are the appearance of large strings of watery saliva drooping from the animals mouths; difficulty swallowing; severe thirst; bloating; grinding of teeth; and nerve twitching.
“As soon as these symptoms are observed, state vets should be called to attend to the animals.”
Her Department said that a good prevention for poisoning is to leave the veld or pasture ungrazed for at least 40 days.
Armyworm larvae can defoliate entire plants, leaving behind only barren stalks as they sweep through large areas of grasslands.