coaltech upper olifants river catchment wetland inventory ...

3.5.6.3 Livestock Diseases
Various livestock diseases are associated with wetlands, mainly nematodes and arboviruses.
Livestock grazing in the wetlands are susceptible to the diseases associated with wetlands
and can also spread the diseases between wetlands (Reeves & Champion 2004, Wilson
2003). The livestock in the catchment are regularly vaccinated against these diseases and
several farmers remove their livestock from wetland areas during the summer months to
reduce the risk of these diseases (Palmer et al 2002). Diseases associated with wetlands
include (Palmer et al 2002):
o Nematodes, most importantly Wireworm;
o Flukes;
o Lumpy Skin Disease;
o Three Day Stiff Sickness;
o Blue Tongue; and
o Horse Sickness.
3.5.7 Crop farming
The production of crops in wetlands is prohibited by the CARA. Section 7 of the act prohibits
cultivation in a wetland area or within 10 m horizontally of the flood area of a watercourse.
Any cultivation practices taking place in a wetland, which did not take place prior to the
promulgation of the act, is therefore an illegal activity (Landcare South Africa).
3.6 Wetland threats
Wetland threats discussed below are:
o Water usage
o Mining and quarrying
o Agriculture
o Burning
o Cultivation
o Livestock
o Dams and weirs
o Industries
o Harvesting of resources
o Infrastructure
Wetland Database for UORC - 43 -