The Free State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed 15 additional cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the province to 106.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The latest cases were identified in Viljoenskroon/Vredefort (2), Parys (6) and Deneysville/Sasolburg (7), according to a media statement dated November 21, 2025.
Nine different outbreak areas identified
The disease has now spread to nine different outbreak areas in six local municipalities. The worst affected area remains Viljoenskroon/Vredefort in the municipality of Moqhaka, with 45 confirmed cases, followed by Deneysville/Sasolburg in the municipality of Metsimaholo with 17 cases.
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Other affected areas include:
- Parys/Vredefort (municipality of Ngwathe) – 15 cases
- Kroonstad (municipality of Moqhaka) – 10 cases
- Cornelia/Frankfort (municipality of Mafube) – 8 cases
- Edenville (Ngwathe municipality) – 4 cases
- Bothaville (Municipality of Nala) – 2 cases
- Heilbron (Ngwathe municipality) – 2 cases
- Odendaalsrus (Municipality of Matjhabeng) – 1 case
- Marquard (Municipality of Setsoto) – 1 box
- Hlohlolwane/Clocolan (Municipality of Setsoto) – 1 box
Vaccination and quarantine measures have been taken
The department has implemented strict control measures and vaccination programs have already started at the affected farms. “The department has prioritized vaccination of the infected farms. Vaccination has commenced immediately to help reduce the viral load and limit further spread of the virus,” the statement said.
Movement restrictions have been imposed on all farms within a 10 kilometer radius of infected properties, while infected farms have been placed under full quarantine.
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Call for industry cooperation
The department has issued an urgent appeal for cooperation from the farming community and industry stakeholders. “The department urges farmers, industry partners and all stakeholders to join hands and work together to stop the spread of this disease,” the statement said.
The department emphasized that silence would only prolong the outbreak: “Silence will only prolong the outbreaks and delay the process of returning to normal.”
Officials warned that longer surveillance periods would mean longer quarantine restrictions, “which would increase both the financial impact on farmers and the economic impact on the Free State province as a whole.”
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Legal obligations and biosecurity measures
In line with Government Gazette No. 51512 and the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984)the department reminded stakeholders that specific obligations must be met:
- Restriction of the freedom of movement of cloven-hoofed animals.
- Adherence 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 animal movements and farm visitors.
- Report suspected cases immediately to local veterinary offices.
The department stressed: “Moving animals under quarantine without the necessary documentation is a criminal offence.”
Farmers are urged to immediately report animals showing symptoms including excessive salivation, oral lesions or lameness.
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