There is concern that a potential outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the western Free State could lead to the disease spreading to the Northern Cape.

By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

The Northern Cape is the only province where no foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases have yet been confirmed. But the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is currently investigating possible outbreaks on farms close to the Northern Cape border – between Hertzogville and Dealesville, and Edenburg and Reddersburg.

“The department has implemented precautionary quarantine measures on the affected farms, pending confirmation through laboratory tests,” a statement by the department reads. “Movement restrictions have been put in place on all farms within a 10km radius of the infected farms.”

Hertzogville is only about 50km from the Northern Cape border as the crow flies.

In an interview with the author, Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), said there was serious concern that these outbreaks could also affect the Northern Cape.

Also read: ‘Is the outbreak of FMD a sign of SA’s deteriorating veterinary services?’ – Dr Rebone Moerane

Up to 30 January 2026, 249 FMD cases have been confirmed in 12 local municipalities in the Free State:

11 confirmed cases in the Kroonstad outbreak (Moqhaka Municipality);

51 confirmed cases in the Viljoenskroon/Vredefort outbreak (Moqhaka Municipality);

11 confirmed cases in the Edenville outbreak (Ngwathe Municipality);

4 confirmed cases in the Heilbron outbreak (Ngwathe Municipality);

42 confirmed cases in the Parys/Vredefort outbreak (Ngwathe Municipality);

42 confirmed cases in the Deneysville/Sasolburg outbreak (Metsimaholo Municipality);

26 confirmed cases in the Cornelia/Frankfort/Villiers outbreak (Mafube Municipality);

3 confirmed cases in the Tweeling outbreak (Mafube Municipality);

6 confirmed cases in the Bethlehem outbreak (Dihlabeng Municipality);

9 confirmed cases in the Reitz/Lindley outbreak (Nketoana Municipality);

12 confirmed cases in the Vrede/Memel outbreak (Phumelela Municipality);

6 confirmed cases in the Warden outbreak (Phumelela Municipality);

6 confirmed cases in the QwaQwa/Harrismith outbreak (Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality);

3 confirmed cases in the Odendaalsrus/Welkom/Ventersburg outbreak (Matjhabeng Municipality);

3 confirmed cases in the Bothaville outbreak (Nala Municipality);

7 confirmed cases in the Marquard/Senekal outbreak (Setsoto Municipality);

12 confirmed cases in the Hlohlolwane (Clocolan) outbreak (Setsoto Municipality); and

2 confirmed cases in the Rouxville outbreak (Mohokare Municipality).

Also read: FMD | ‘Worst challenge since rinderpest’ requires cooperation

Northern Cape On High Alert

The Northern Cape Red Meat Producers’ Organisation and Agri Northern Cape have said in a statement that a provincial preparedness plan has been implemented in the event that an FMD case occurred in the province.

A joint operational centre, established in 2025, is functioning actively, with ongoing cooperation between the industry and the Department of Agriculture, the police, traffic authorities, private veterinarians and other stakeholders. Biosecurity, the correct permits for the transport of animals and strict compliance with regulations remain critical.