Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, there is no embargo in respect in the movement of cattle, sheep and goats from Rodrigues. The last restriction of movement of livestock from Rodrigues to Mauritius was imposed in March 2021 following the detection of foot and mouth disease cases. Now, in order to control the depletion of Rodrigues livestock population, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly had imposed a temporary restriction of movement of cattle for the period of two months as from 24 February 2025.

76 Madam Speaker, since May 2025, a revised protocol for the movement of cattle from Rodrigues to Mauritius is applicable and the protocol inter alia makes provision for the following conditions – 1. The division of the veterinary services inspects farms in Mauritius to verify compliance with regard to biosecurity measures in place prior to issuing movement permits; 2. The veterinary services of Rodrigues Regional Assembly conducts foot-and- mouth disease virus testing, identification and registration of the National Livestock Information System; 3. The veterinary services of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly send the result of the test to the division of the veterinary services; only livestock tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease by the veterinary services of the Commission for Agriculture in Rodrigues is authorised for movement into Mauritius; 4. After assessment of the test results, identification, farms and other necessary information, the division of the veterinary services issues the movement permit; 5. Upon arrival in Mauritius, after inspection by a veterinary officer, livestock is allowed to move from port area to the respective approved farms as per the movement permit, and 6. Failing to comply with any of the above conditions shall imply that the applicant or farmer shall not be allowed to move livestock from Rodrigues for at least one year. Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that on 7 October 2025, my Ministry requested the Commission for Agriculture, Rodrigues Regional Assembly to provide information with regard to the number of goats and sheep which could be made available to Mauritius for the end of year festivities. A quota for movement of livestock has been provided by the Commission for Agriculture, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly on 9 October 2025 for 1,150 animals including cows, bulls, goats and sheep for the period October to December 2025. From the beginning of November 2025 to date, 75 cattle, 457 sheep and 300 goats have already reached Mauritius.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Edouard?

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Is the hon. Minister aware that with the present protocol, farmers are losing confidence in livestock farming and they are stressed with overcrowded farms?

No, I am not aware. I am glad that you made me aware but then the Commission for Agriculture of Rodrigues should see to it that the matter is addressed in a very forceful and meaningful manner and to see to it the biosecurity and safety is the crux of livestock farming.

Madam Speaker…

Yes?

Just one supplementary if you allow me. May I ask the hon. Minister whether there is still Food and Mouth Diseases (FMD) traceability in Rodrigues?

As of now, no. There is no case reported.

Okay, the hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche and Grand River South East! CONSTITUENCY NO.10 – FOOTBALL PITCHES – LIGHTING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE