The Free State has confirmed 14 new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the province to 648, as authorities step up vaccination efforts and urge farmers to strengthen biosecurity.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The 14 recently confirmed cases of FMD in the Free State – according to a press release from the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs on June 26 – were detected in the areas of Kroonstad (2), Boshof (6), Heilbron (1) and Bultfontein (5). FMD has now been confirmed in 19 local municipalities in the province, with the highest number of cases recorded in the Kroonstad region (119), followed by Heilbron (94), Frankfort (74), Bethlehem (67) and Sasolburg (64).
Other affected areas include Welcome (43), Warden (43), Ladybrand (46), Qwa-Qwa (29), Bultfontein (20), Boshof (21), Bloemfontein (9), Smithfield (9), Fauresmith (8) and Thaba Nchu (2).
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More than 1.1 million cattle vaccinated
The department says it continues to make progress with its risk-based vaccination strategy, with 1,106,191 cattle vaccinated with the Biogénesis Bagó and Dollvet vaccines.
The department has received a large number of requests for vaccination from livestock farmers. However, not all applications can be honored during the first round of vaccinations as priority is given to high-risk areas.
Nevertheless, farmers are encouraged to submit new applications as the information will help veterinary authorities plan future vaccine allocations and rollout programs.
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Farmers were urged to report suspected cases
The department expressed concern that some livestock farmers are failing to report suspected cases of FMD, warning that this is not only a criminal offense but also hinders disease surveillance and vaccination planning. Under-reporting creates an inaccurate picture of the disease situation, making it difficult to determine vaccine needs and increasing the risk of shortages and delayed control measures in affected areas.
Farmers should immediately report animals showing symptoms such as excessive salivation, oral lesions or lameness to the nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician.
Also read: KZN completes FMD vaccinations in eThekwini as campaign surpasses 1.1 million animals mark
Biosecurity remains crucial
The department warned that some farmers are not complying with essential biosecurity measures, increasing the risk of the disease spreading to neighboring farms.
Under section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), livestock farmers are legally required to take all reasonable steps to prevent the introduction and spread of controlled animal diseases.
Authorities have urged farmers, auctioneers and livestock speculators:
- Restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals;
- Strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols, including disinfecting vehicles and equipment;
- Quarantine newly purchased livestock for a minimum of 28 days before introducing them into existing herds;
- Keep accurate records of animal movements and farm visitors; And
- Immediately report all suspected cases of FMD.
The department also reminded stakeholders that moving quarantined animals without necessary documentation is a criminal offense.
Also read:
Free State urges farmers to report suspected FMD cases as outbreak reaches 620 cases
KZN completes FMD vaccinations in eThekwini as campaign surpasses 1.1 million animals mark
RMIS: The FMD vaccination program offers the industry an opportunity to restore trade
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