Free State Department of Agriculture Confirms 18 New Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases and Urges Farmers to Strengthen Biosecurity

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed eighteen new cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across several localities, bringing the province’s total confirmed cases to 256. The new cases were reported in Kroonstad (1), Edenville (1), Cornelia/Frankfort/Villiers (6), Bethlehem (2), Reitz/Lindley (1), Hlohlolwane (Clocolan) (1), Rouxville (1), and Marquard/Senekal (4), as well as Viljoenskroon/Vredefort (1).

The province has identified outbreaks across twelve municipalities: Moqhaka, Ngwathe, Metsimaholo, Mafube, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Phumelela, Maluti-a-Phofung, Matjhabeng, Nala, Setsoto, and Mohokare. The outbreaks vary in scale, with Viljoenskroon/Vredefort reporting the highest number at 51 confirmed cases, followed by Parys/Vredefort and Deneysville/Sasolburg at 42 each. Other outbreaks range from 2 to 26 confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported near Edenburg/Reddersburg and between Hertzogville and Dealsville.

To contain the disease, the Department has implemented quarantine measures on affected farms and movement restrictions within a 10-kilometre radius of infected areas. All farms within this perimeter have been notified and placed under precautionary quarantine pending surveillance results.

The Department expressed concern over an increasing number of farmers failing to report suspected FMD cases. Non-reporting hinders accurate planning for vaccination campaigns, risks vaccine shortages, and allows the disease to spread further. Farmers are reminded that failure to report suspected cases is a criminal offence under Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984).

Farmers are urged to strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols, including:

• Restricting movement of cloven-hoofed animals.
• Disinfecting vehicles and equipment regularly.
• Quarantining new livestock for 28 days before integration.
• Keeping detailed records of animal movements and farm visitors.
• Reporting any animals showing excessive salivation, mouth lesions, or lameness immediately to the nearest State Veterinary Office.

The Department stressed that illegal movement of animals from areas under surveillance undermines containment efforts and prolongs outbreaks. Collaboration among farmers, industry partners, and stakeholders is critical to stop the spread of FMD, protect livestock, and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers across the province. Full cooperation with quarantine measures and prompt reporting of suspect cases remain the most effective strategies for controlling and eventually eradicating Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the Free State.