Confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the Free State have climbed to 589, with at least 116 new cases identified across nine areas in the province, the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed.
The new cases were recorded in Kroonstad, Heilbron, Sasolburg, Frankfort, Bethlehem, Qwa-Qwa, Welkom, Bloemfontein and Boshof. Confirmed cases are now spread across 19 municipalities in the province.
Vaccination and movement restrictions
The department says vaccination of affected herds has been prioritised and additional vaccine doses have been secured. Movement restrictions have been imposed to prevent further spread, with no animals permitted to move within a 10km radius of infected areas.
The department says the sharp rise in numbers reflects a change in how cases are tallied, with both reported and clinically diagnosed livestock now being counted. Officials warn that unreported cases remain a serious concern, as undocumented outbreaks distort vaccine planning and may result in too few doses being allocated to affected areas.
Farmers are reminded that moving quarantined animals without the required documentation is a criminal offence. The department has called on farmers and stakeholders to maintain strict biosecurity and to co-operate with containment efforts.
Source: OFM News
