Foot-and-Mouth Disease Confirmed on Two Farms in Limpopo, Department Implements Quarantine

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on two farms in the Waterberg district. The department issued an official notice on Tuesday, 9 December, outlining the control measures now in place to prevent further spread of the virus.

The affected farms have been placed under strict quarantine with immediate effect. No animals, animal products, vehicles, personnel, or equipment may enter or leave the farms without prior approval from state veterinary services. The quarantine extends to adjacent properties and any other properties linked to the farms that tested positive.

Movement restrictions have been enforced within a 10km radius of the outbreak. Farmers in this area are required to keep gates closed, control visitor access, and ensure no livestock movement occurs. Surveillance will be conducted on neighbouring properties, taking into account the virus’s incubation period and other epidemiological risk factors. Testing will be prioritised to determine the potential spread of the disease. The protocol will be continually updated as new information and results become available.

The notice, signed by the state veterinarian for Waterberg East and the deputy director of LDARD, emphasised that the primary objective is to contain and eliminate the outbreak as quickly as possible. Farmers and stakeholders are urged to fully cooperate and follow all movement restrictions and biosecurity practices.

The department called on the farming community to act responsibly and hold each other accountable for protecting livestock health. Cooperation is critical to resolving the outbreak efficiently and preventing further impact on the district and the wider province.

Strict adherence to these measures is essential to safeguard Limpopo’s livestock sector and maintain food security in the region.