The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDREA) has raised concern over what it says is a growing trend of farmers failing to report suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases, warning that the practice is undermining efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the province’s livestock industry.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The department issued the warning while announcing 12 newly confirmed FMD cases in the province, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 620.
According to DARDREA, the failure to report suspected infections not only constitutes a criminal offence but also creates an inaccurate picture of the disease situation, making it difficult for veterinary authorities to plan and implement effective control measures.
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Accurate reporting critical for disease control
The department said accurate reporting is essential to determine vaccine requirements and deploy resources where they are needed most. “Failure to report suspected cases severely hampers effective planning for vaccination campaigns, as accurate information is required to determine the quantities of vaccine that must be deployed,” the department said.
It warned that inadequate reporting could lead to vaccine shortages in some areas and delays in implementing control measures, increasing the risk of further disease spread. Farmers were urged to immediately report any animals showing symptoms associated with FMD, including excessive salivation, mouth lesions and lameness, to their nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician.
The department also expressed concern that some farmers are no longer adhering to basic biosecurity protocols, increasing the risk of transmission to neighbouring farms.
Legal obligation to report cases
DARDREA reminded livestock owners that Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act requires every animal owner to take all reasonable steps to prevent the introduction and spread of controlled diseases.
The department stressed that preventing the movement of potentially infected animals and reporting suspected cases are key responsibilities of all livestock owners. “Remaining silent will only prolong the outbreak and delay the process of returning to normal,” the department said.
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Outbreak continues to spread
The latest update confirms 12 new cases in the Warden, Sasolburg, Bloemfontein and Kroonstad state veterinary areas. Kroonstad remains the hardest-hit area with 117 confirmed cases, followed by Heilbron with 93 cases, Frankfort with 74 cases, Bethlehem with 67 cases and Sasolburg with 64 cases. Cases have now been confirmed in 19 municipalities across the province.
Farmers urged to strengthen biosecurity
The department called on farmers, auctioneers and livestock traders to strengthen biosecurity measures and comply with regulations aimed at containing the disease.
Among the measures highlighted were:
- Restricting the movement of cloven-hoofed animals.
- Strictly disinfecting vehicles and equipment.
- Quarantining newly purchased livestock for at least 28 days before introducing them to existing herds.
- Keeping accurate records of animal movements and visitors to farms.
- Reporting all suspected cases immediately.
The department further reminded stakeholders that moving animals under quarantine without the necessary documentation is a criminal offence. “We can only contain the spread of the disease if we work together and report any suspect cases immediately,” the department said.
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