Agri SA has welcomed the "good news" as the ban on the movement of cattle has been lifted following some strides on limiting the spread of Foot and Mouth disease.
Minister of Agriculture Thoko Didiza announced the lifting of the 21 day ban on Thursday even though the disease was still active in some areas.
Agri Executive Director Christo van der Rheede also called for proper surveillance in areas where the disease persisted.
He said while the management of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease was the responsibility of the government, farmers and communities should also play a greater role in mitigating the spread.
"Policing, vaccinations and fencing are some of the key measures in managing the spread of the disease. Farmers and communities also have a responsibility to play as their livelihoods depend on the livestock", said van der Rheede.
On August 16, Didiza announced a countrywide ban on the movement of cattle after 116 outbreaks involving farms, feed lots and communal areas in KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State.
On Thursday, Didiza said no cases of the disease were reported during the 21 day period in three provinces, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape.
In Gauteng and North West suspect cases were reported in the past week while no cases were detected in Mpumalanga.
She also said the disease was still active in certain parts in Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and Free State and vaccinations and surveillance would continue in the affected areas.
The movement of cattle would now be allowed under certain conditions, said Didiza.
Didiza said all movement of cattle should be accompanied by an owner declaration, with the recipient undertaking to isolate the animals for at least 28 days before introducing them to the rest of the herd.
She urged farmers and communities to continue to observe health protocols and refrain from illegal movement of cattle.
"Once again I call for improvement in the primary animal health care and the strengthening of biosecurity measures by all farmers, feed lots and auctioneers," said Didiza.