The Freedom Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed a substantial increase in the cases of foot and claw disease (FMD) in the province, with nine additional cases that have brought the total confirmed infections to 26.
By Mile Matsimela, digital editor at African agriculture
The Department published details of the outbreak situation in a statement published on 12 September, which emphasizes the continuous challenges in controlling the spread of the disease.
Geographical distribution over five municipalities
The province is now confronted with six different outbreaks that are divided into five local municipalities, with a complex epidemiological situation that requires coordinated intervention efforts. The municipality of Moqhaka is particularly affected and organizes two separate outbreaks in Kroonstad and Viljenskroon, with confirmed things seven and ten respectively. These areas are good for most infections in the province.
Other affected regions include the municipality of Metsimaholo with one case in the municipality of Deneysville, Mafube who reports six cases in the Cornelia/Frankfort area, the municipality of Ngwathe with a single case in Heilbron and Matjhabeng municipality that documents one case in Odendaalsrus. This geographical spread indicates the ability of the disease to transcend municipal boundaries, creating challenges for inclusion efforts
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Vaccination strategy and response measures
The Department has responded by carrying out immediate vaccination programs on infected farms as a priority measure. Although vaccination has been effective in reducing viral loads and limiting blood circulation, the authorities acknowledge that it has not fully eliminated the transmission risk. The vaccination strategy is intended to create a protective barrier around outbreak zones and at the same time support broader inclusion efforts.
A special concern has emerged in common grazing areas, where four locations have been hit by the current outbreaks. These areas form unique challenges for disease control as a result of shared meadow practices and insufficient screens infrastructure. The common nature of these spaces makes movement control of vaccinated animals considerably more difficult, which requires improved cooperation between different stakeholders.
Also read: FMD and stray animals: ‘The basis must be done well’
Movement restrictions and implementation of quarantine
Limitations of movements have been established within a radius of 10 kilometers of all infected farms, with quarantine measures imposed on the infected properties themselves. All farms within this surveillance zone have been informed and placed with precautions pending the completion of the activities of diseases. These measures are designed to prevent further geographical distribution, while authorities can assess the full extent of the outbreak.
Also read: FMD: Setsoto struggles to control roaming animals
Cooperation between stakeholders and cooperation efforts
The Department has emphasized that successful disease control requires cooperation efforts between farmers, common leaders, local municipalities, industrial representatives, local communities and veterinary services. This approach to several stakeholders is essential for ensuring compliance with movement restrictions and maximizing the effectiveness of vaccination programs.
Civil servants have urgently invoked farmers, industrial partners and stakeholders to collaborate in stopping the progression of the disease. The most important concerns include identifying and preventing illegal animal movements from surveillance areas and guaranteeing immediate reporting of suspected cases. The Department has warned that silence and non-cooperation will only extend the outbreak duration and will delay the return to normal agricultural activities.
The economic implications of long -term supervision and quarantine measures extend further than individual farms to influence the broader free state economy. Extensive precautions increase the financial burdens for farmers, while they influence the livestock sector of the province as a whole. The Department has emphasized that unity, transparency and cooperation are essential for overcoming the outbreak and protecting both farmers and economic stability.
Also read: View | SA sees Brazil as an example to eradicate FMD – Steenhuisen
Legal requirements and compliance measures
In accordance with Government Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal diseases Act from 1984Authorities have outsourced specific requirements for farmers, auction masters and speculators. These measures include:
- Limiting the movement of combined animals.
- Implementation of strict biosafety protocols including disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
- Maintaining 28-day quarantine people for new cattle before the introduction of the herd.
- Keeping detailed data from animal movements and farm visitors.
- Immediately reporting suspected cases that show symptoms such as excessive saliva, mouth injuries or lameness.
The Department claims that pathogen is only possible due to collective action and rapid reporting of suspected cases. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to contact local veterinary offices immediately when observing all symptoms in their animals.
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