The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Free State has increased with 17 new clinically confirmed cases in four veterinary areas of the state, bringing the provincial total to 665 confirmed cases.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, the new infections include three cases in the Bloemfontein State Veterinary Area, eight in Boshof, five in Bultfontein and one in Smithfield.
Within Mangaung Metro, the Bloemfontein Veterinary Area has now recorded 12 confirmed cases, while the Thaba Nchu Veterinary Area still has two confirmed cases.
The department said FMD has now been confirmed in 19 local municipalities in the province, with Kroonstad remaining the worst-affected area with 119 cases, followed by Heilbron (94), Frankfort (74) and Bethlehem (67).
As part of efforts to contain the outbreak, more than 1.16 million cattle have been vaccinated under the province’s risk-based vaccination program. Applications for vaccination remain open, although the department noted that priority will be given to high-risk areas in the first phase.
Authorities have also expressed concern about the increasing number of farmers not reporting suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease.
The department warned that failure to report suspected infections is a criminal offense and undermines vaccination planning and disease control efforts, increasing the risk of further spread.
Farmers are urged to immediately report animals showing symptoms such as excessive salivation, oral lesions or lameness to the nearest state veterinary office. They are also reminded to restrict movements of cloven-hoofed animals, maintain strict biosecurity measures, quarantine new livestock before introducing them into herds and ensure all animal movements are accurately recorded.
The department further warned that moving livestock from quarantine areas without required documentation remains illegal and called on farmers, auctioneers and industry stakeholders to work together to contain the outbreak and protect the province’s livestock industry.
In accordance with Government Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), all farmers, auctioneers and speculators are urged to:
- Restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals.
- Strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, including the disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
- Quarantine new livestock for 28 days before introducing them to existing herds.
- Keep accurate records of all animal movements and visitors to farms.
- Report suspected cases immediately to the local veterinary office.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
Gypseenia Lion
www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za