The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed nine new cases of pedestrian and claw disease (FMD) in the province, so that the total items are brought to 17.
According to the Department, the province has four different outbreaks in three local municipalities, and since then vaccination of the infected farms has been priority.
“Movement restrictions have been implemented on all farms within a radius of 10 kilometers from the infected farms. The infected farms have been placed under quarantine and all farms within this radius are informed and placed under precautionary mantle to determine a further distribution of the disease.”
Farmers and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to work together to stop the spread of this disease. This can be done by identifying every illegal movement of animals and preventing from areas under supervision and immediately reporting all suspicious cases. “The longer surveillance must continue, the longer precautions will remain in force – which increases both the financial impact on farmers and the economic impact on the province of Free State as a whole,” the department said.
In addition, two common grazing areas are influenced by the outbreak, which forms extra challenges when it comes to motion control. Movement control of vaccinated animals is more difficult due to shared grazing practices and the lack of sufficient screens in the area. Vaccination may have reduced the risk of disease distribution, but it will not eliminate it completely.
“Effective control therefore requires an intensified collaboration between farmers, common leaders, local municipalities, industry, local communities and veterinary services to ensure that movement restrictions are respected and that the benefits of vaccination are fully realized.”
In accordance with the Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (ACT 35 of 1984), all farmers, auction masters and speculators are encouraged to:
- Limit the movement of combined animals.
- Strictly adhere to bio -safety measures, including disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
- Quarantine each new cattle for 28 days before the introduction of existing herds.
- Keep accurate data from all animal movements and visitors to farms.
- Report any suspicious cases (including animals that show excessive saliva, mouth lesions or lameness) immediately to the local veterinary office.
Areas that have been affected and confirmed to date:
- Crown city Outbreak (Municipality of Moqhaka) – 5 confirmed cases.
- Viljeenskroon Breaking (Moqhaka Municipalities) – 7 confirmed cases.
- DEEYSVILLE OUTBREAK (MUNICIPAL METSIMAHOLO) – 1 confirmed case.
- Cornelia/Frankfort Outbreak (Municipal Mafube) – 4 confirmed cases.
The world organization of 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 frightened re -owers.”
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
Gypseenia Lion
www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za