 The DVS did not avail any document which could explain the criteria the department used in allocating resources. Furthermore, another attributable factor to inadequate maintenance of fences (according to management) was the continuous destruction of fences by elephants. During fence tours, substantial damages to the fence caused by elephants were indeed observed. However, the DVS had at the time of audit not devised an effective strategy to minimise damages to fences caused by elephants. 

As a result of inadequate maintenance of fences by the DVS, there was a risk of uncontrolled movement of both cattle and buffaloes across disease control zones, as evidenced by reported buffalo incursions into zone 2 and cattle incursions into the stock free zone (zone 16), 37 thus increasing the risk of FMD virus transmission from buffaloes (which are virus hosts) to cattle. It should be noted that sporadic outbreaks are not only expensive to manage, but they also have far reaching effects of eroding both farmers and beef trading partners’ confidence in the Government’s ability to effectively control the FMD. 

Notwithstanding the above observations, the OAG appreciates the efforts the DVS had made (at the time of audit) in devising the new Transport Strategy, Picketing Strategy and Fence Maintenance Prioritisation through which the DVS had expected to enhance its capability to address challenges in maintenance of fences. The OAG also acknowledges the fact that at the time of audit, the DVS was at advanced stage (Ministerial Tender Committee had approved a tender to supply and delivery of 1 MT of Bhut Jolokia Chilli, delivery expected in May 2015) of adopting the use of chilli powder for control of elephants movement away from disease control fences. 38 

