Update on foot-and-mouth disease cases in the Free State Province | ProAgri

Update on foot-and-mouth disease cases in Freestate Province

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby informs the public and the entire farming community of twelve (12) new confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Frankfort (1), Edenville (1), Bothaville (1), Parys (4), Deneysville/Sasolburg (3). Gemini (1) and Peace (1). This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Free State to one hundred and eighteen (118).

To date, thirteen (13) different outbreak areas have been identified in eight (8) local municipalities:

• Kroonstad outbreak (Municipality of Moghaka) – Ten (10) confirmed cases
• Outbreak Viljoenskroon/Vredefort (Municipality of Moqhaka) Forty-five (45) confirmed cases
• Outbreak in Edenville (Ngwathe Municipality) – Five (5) confirmed cases
• Heilbron outbreak (Municipality of Ngwathe) – Two (2) confirmed cases
• Parys/Vredefort outbreak (Municipality of Ngwathe) – Nineteen (19) confirmed cases
• Deneysville/Sasolburg outbreak (Municipality of Metsimaholo) – Twenty (20) confirmed cases
• Cornelia/Frankfort outbreak (Mafube municipality) Nine (9) confirmed cases
• Gemini outbreak (Mafube Municipality) – One (1) confirmed case
• Peace outbreak (Municipality of Phumelela) – One (1) confirmed cases
• Outbreak of Odendaalsrus (Municipality of Matjhabeng) – One (1) confirmed case
• Bothaville outbreak (Municipality of Nala) – Two (2) confirmed cases Marquard outbreak (Municipality of Setsoto) – One (1) confirmed case
• Hallohlolwane (Clocolaan) Outbreak (Municipality of Setsoto) – One (1) confirmed case

The ministry has given priority to the vaccination of the infected companies. Vaccination began immediately to help reduce the viral load and limit the further spread of the virus.

Movement restrictions have been introduced on all farms within a radius of 10 kilometers around the infected farms. The infected farms have been quarantined and all farms within this radius have been notified and quarantined as a precaution until surveillance is completed to determine any further spread of the disease.

The maps of each area indicate the 10 kilometer radius around the confirmed positive case.

The ministry urges farmers, industry partners and all stakeholders to join hands and work together to stop the spread of this disease. This includes identifying and preventing illegal movements of animals from controlled areas and promptly reporting any suspected cases. Remaining silent will only prolong the outbreaks and delay the process of returning to normal.

The longer surveillance has to continue, the longer preventive quarantines will remain in place, increasing both the financial impact on farmers and the economic impact on the Free State Province as a whole. With unity, transparency and cooperation, we can overcome this outbreak and protect both our livestock sector and our economy.

In accordance with Government Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), we urge all farmers, auctioneers and speculators to:

• Restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals.
• Strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, including disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
• Quarantine new livestock for 28 days before introducing them to existing herds.
• Keep accurate records of all animal movements and visitors to farms.
• Report suspected cases (including animals exhibiting excessive salivation, oral lesions or lameness) immediately to the local veterinary office.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reminds all stakeholders that moving animals under quarantine without the necessary documentation is a criminal offense. These measures are critical to protect livestock production, prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and safeguard the livelihoods of all farmers in the province. The ministry urges full cooperation with quarantine regulations to ensure the successful control and eventual eradication of the outbreak. We can only limit the spread of the disease if we work together and report suspected cases immediately.