Free State Department of Agriculture & Rural Dev Warns of Rise in Unreported Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported fifty-three (53) new confirmed cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across multiple towns in the province, bringing the total number of outbreaks to 344. The newly affected areas include Kroonstad, Viljoenskroon, Vredefort, Heilbron, Parys, Sasolburg, Deneysville, Cornelia, Frankfort, Villiers, Bethlehem, Reitz, Lindley, Vrede, Memel, Warden, Qwa Qwa, Harrismith, Bothaville, Marquard, Senekal, Edenburg, Bloemfontein, and Boshof.

Distinct outbreaks have now been identified in fourteen (14) local municipalities, with the highest numbers recorded in Viljoenskroon/Vredefort (61 cases), Parys/Vredefort (49 cases), and Deneysville/Sasolburg (45 cases). In response, movement restrictions have been imposed on all farms within a 10-kilometre radius of infected properties. Infected farms are under quarantine, and neighbouring farms have been notified and placed under precautionary quarantine until surveillance confirms no further spread.

However, the Department has expressed serious concern over an increase in farmers failing to report suspected FMD cases. According to officials, this non-reporting not only violates the Animal Diseases Act (Section 11) but also undermines disease control efforts.

“Failure to report suspected cases creates an inaccurate picture of the disease situation, hampers vaccination planning, and may lead to vaccine shortages and delays in controlling the outbreak,” a Department spokesperson said.

Biosecurity non-compliance is also on the rise, which heightens the risk of rapid viral transmission to surrounding farms. The Department strongly urges all farmers to report suspected FMD cases immediately to their nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician to enable prompt investigation and containment measures.

The Department reminds all animal owners of their legal responsibility to take all reasonable steps to prevent the introduction and spread of controlled diseases, emphasizing that timely reporting and adherence to biosecurity measures are crucial in controlling FMD outbreaks.