By Amelia Genis
Another case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed in the Free State.
According to a press release from the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the case is in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality near Deneysville. The origin of the outbreak can be traced back to a feedlot in one of the neighbouring provinces.
This is the second confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in this province.
The affected farm has been quarantined and all farms within a 10km radius have been notified and placed under precautionary quarantine until observation is completed. Vaccination of animals on the infected farm has also begun in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.
As Farmers Urged To Strengthen Biosecurity
Regarding the FMD case in Kroonstad, the department says all infected and exposed cattle on the farm have been vaccinated as part of measures to contain the disease. Officials are also monitoring the area for further disease outbreaks.
The department is urging farmers, auction houses and speculators to limit the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and to adhere to strict biosecurity measures. This includes the disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
Furthermore, new animals must be quarantined for 28 days before being added to existing herds.
Similarly, farmers, auction houses and speculators must keep accurate records of animal movements and visitors to farms.
Where any symptoms are observed, such as animals that are drooling excessively, have lesions on their mouths or are lame, this must be reported immediately to the local office of the State Veterinarian.
