The Free State has confirmed 14 new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bringing the province’s total number of confirmed cases to 648, as authorities intensify vaccination efforts and urge farmers to strengthen biosecurity.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The 14 newly confirmed FMD cases in the Free State – according to a media release issued by the provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs on 26 June – were detected in Kroonstad (2), Boshof (6), Heilbron (1) and Bultfontein (5) areas. FMD has now been confirmed in 19 local municipalities across the province, with the highest number of cases recorded in the Kroonstad area (119), followed by Heilbron (94), Frankfort (74), Bethlehem (67) and Sasolburg (64).
Other affected areas are Welkom (43), Warden (43), Ladybrand (46), Qwa-Qwa (29), Bultfontein (20), Boshof (21), Bloemfontein (9), Smithfield (9), Fauresmith (8) and Thaba Nchu (2).
Also read: Farmers get clearer FMD rules as new measures open trade during quarantine
More than 1.1 million cattle vaccinated
The department says it continues to make progress with its risk-based vaccination strategy, having vaccinated 1 106 191 cattle using Biogénesis Bagó and Dollvet vaccines.
The department has received a high number of requests for vaccination from livestock owners. Not all applications can be accommodated during the first round of vaccinations, however, as priority is being given to high-risk areas.
Nevertheless, farmers are encouraged to continue submitting new applications, as the information assists veterinary authorities in planning future vaccine allocations and rollout programmes.
Also read: FMD: ‘The virus does not care about factions or blame-shifting’
Farmers urged to report suspected cases
The department expressed concern that some livestock owners are failing to report suspected FMD cases, warning that this not only constitutes a criminal offence but also hampers disease surveillance and vaccination planning. Underreporting creates an inaccurate picture of the disease situation, making it difficult to determine vaccine requirements and increasing the risk of shortages and delayed control measures in affected areas.
Farmers should immediately report any animals showing symptoms such as excessive salivation, mouth lesions or lameness to their nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician.
Also read: KZN completes FMD vaccinations in eThekwini as campaign surpasses 1.1 million animals
Biosecurity remains critical
The department warned that some farmers are failing to comply with essential biosecurity measures, increasing the risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring farms.
In terms of Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), livestock owners are legally required to take all reasonable steps to prevent the introduction and spread of controlled animal diseases.
The authorities have urged farmers, auctioneers and livestock speculators to:
- Restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals;
- Strictly observe biosecurity protocols, including disinfecting vehicles and equipment;
- Quarantine newly purchased livestock for at least 28 days before introducing them into existing herds;
- Keep accurate records of animal movements and farm visitors; and
- Report all suspected FMD cases without delay.
The department also reminded stakeholders that moving animals under quarantine without the necessary documentation is a criminal offence.
Also read:
Free State urges farmers to report suspected FMD as outbreak reaches 620 cases
KZN completes FMD vaccinations in eThekwini as campaign surpasses 1.1 million animals
RMIS: FMD vaccination scheme provides industry with pathway to restore trade
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