The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dard) has confirmed that there are 34 cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the province.
This is after four new cases have been reported in Viljenskroon, so that the total of cases in the area is brought to 15 cases. The department has since given priority to vaccination of the infected farms with immediate effect to help reduce the viral load and limit the further circulation of the virus.
“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 have been informed and placed under Voorzorgsmantine until supervision is completed to determine a further distribution of the disease,” said the department.
The Department has called the agricultural community and stakeholders to adhere to restrictions in combating the outbreak, because it will have a direct impact of the farmers and the local agricultural economy. “This includes identifying and preventing illegal movement of animals from areas that are placed under supervision and immediately report all suspicious cases. Silence will only extend the outbreaks and slow down the process of being normal again.”
The Province of Free State has identified six (6) different breakdown areas of the disease in five (5) local municipalities, as follows (as provided by Dard):
• Crown city – Broaden (Municipality of Moqhaka) – Nine confirmed cases
• Viljoekroon -Breaking (Municipality of Moqhaka) –15 confirmed matters
• DEEYSVILLE – Breakthrough (municipality of Metsimaholo) – One confirmed case
• Cornelia/Frankfort Outbreak (Municipal Mafube) – Six confirmed cases
• Heilbron – Breaking out (Municipality of Ngwathe) – Two confirmed cases
• Odendaalrus – Broaden (Municipality of Matjhabeng) – One confirmed item
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