The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs has confirmed 11 new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), bringing the province’s total number of confirmed cases to 739.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The newly confirmed cases were recorded in the Welkom State Veterinary Area (3), Fauresmith State Veterinary Area (4), Bloemfontein State Veterinary Area (2) and Boshof State Veterinary Area (2), according to the department.
Also read: ‘4 million FMD vaccines landing next week’ – Aucamp
Nearly 500 outbreaks resolved
Despite the increase in confirmed infections, the department says disease control efforts are showing progress. Of the 739 confirmed cases, 492 have been successfully resolved after affected properties met all quarantine and disease-control requirements. A total of 247 cases remain active and under quarantine.
To date, FMD has been confirmed in 19 local municipalities across the province. The highest number of cases remains in the Kroonstad State Veterinary Area with 125 confirmed cases, followed by Heilbron (95), Frankfort (81), Bethlehem (67) and Sasolburg (64).
More than 1.4 million cattle vaccinated
The department also reported significant progress with its vaccination campaign. As part of the national risk-based vaccination strategy, 1 438 393 cattle have been vaccinated using the Biogenesis Bago and Dollvet vaccines.
Vaccination is continuing in infected areas, neighbouring farms, epidemiologically linked properties and other high-risk locations identified through veterinary risk assessments. The department noted vaccine demand remains high and it continues to receive applications. However, not all requests can be accommodated immediately because vaccine supplies remain limited and authorities are prioritising high-risk areas.
Farmers are nevertheless encouraged to continue submitting vaccination requests, as this information assists authorities in planning future vaccine allocations.
Also read: FMD spread in Mpumalanga linked to unverified auction cattle
Failure to report cases remains a concern
The department expressed concern over the continued failure by some livestock owners to report suspected FMD cases promptly.
Officials warned reporting suspected infections is both a legal obligation and a critical part of disease surveillance, control and eradication. Under Government Gazette No. 54969 (Government Notice No. 7668 of 8 July 2026), suspected FMD cases must be reported on the same day they are identified to allow veterinary officials to investigate, impose quarantine where necessary and implement disease-control measures.
The department said failing to report suspected cases not only contravenes the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) but also hampers efforts to assess the disease situation accurately, allocate vaccines effectively and prevent further spread. Authorities also raised concerns about declining adherence to basic biosecurity measures on some farms, warning that poor compliance increases the risk of disease transmission between neighbouring properties.
Also read: FMD vaccine scam warning withdrawn after Kraftmed platform clarified
Farmers reminded of legal responsibilities
The department reminded livestock owners, auctioneers, feedlots, speculators and other industry role players of their legal obligations to prevent the introduction and spread of FMD.
The department urged all stakeholders to:
- Report suspected FMD cases immediately to the nearest State Veterinary Office or Animal Health Technician.
- Isolate affected animals and stop the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, animal products, vehicles and equipment from infected premises.
- Restrict unnecessary access to livestock farms and enforce strict biosecurity measures, including cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment, clothing and footwear.
- Ensure livestock movements from quarantined premises take place only with written permission and the required veterinary documentation.
- Maintain accurate livestock identification, vaccination and movement records to support disease traceability.
- Continue complying with quarantine notices and movement restrictions until they are officially lifted.
Also read: New online system lets farmers apply to vaccinate their own livestock against FMD
