The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed four cases of foot and claw disease (FMD) in the province.
According to the department, the recent confirmed case is on a commercial farm near Cornelia in the municipality of Mafube. The other three cases are in Kroonstad with two of the confirmed things that are on a commercial farm and one in a common grazing.
“Movement restrictions have been implemented on all farms within a radius of 10 km from the infected farms. The infected farms have been placed under quarantine, and all farms within this radius have been brought up and placed with precautions, until the supervision is completed to determine a further distribution of the disease.”
Surveillance activities are also underway in the municipality of Moqhaka, Metsimaholo and Mafube to determine the possible size of the spread of the viral load. Vaccination has since been priority on the infected farms.
Farmers, auctione masters and the wider agricultural community are encouraged to limit the relocation of combined animals and to adhere to bio -safety measures, including the disinfection of vehicles and equipment. In accordance with the Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (ACT 35 of 1984), they are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Quarantine each newly purchased cattle for 28 days before they are integrated with existing herds.
- Keep accurate data from all animal movements, as well as nutrition cars and visitors to farms.
- Report any suspicious cases (animals that have excessive saliva, mouth lesions or difficulty) immediately to the local state office of the state.
The world organization for animal health defines FMD as a “serious, highly contagious viral disease of cattle that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cleared re -owers.”
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
Network News
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