The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has confirmed two new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Viljoenskroon, with a third suspected case awaiting laboratory confirmation.
According to the department’s statement on Thursday, one outbreak occurred on a commercial farm, while the other was detected in a communal grazing area along the border with North West Province.
Containment Measures in Place
Movement restrictions within a 10km radius of the affected sites have been implemented, and all farms in the zone have been notified and placed under quarantine. Vaccination of infected and exposed animals began immediately, with the process on the two confirmed farms set for completion by 14 August.
“We are vaccinating all infected and exposed susceptible animals,” said Moliehi Moeng, DARD’s director of strategic communications. She added that investigations into the source of the latest infections are ongoing.
Biosecurity Protocols Urged
The department called on farmers, auctioneers, and livestock traders to follow the protocols gazetted on 13 June 2025 and provisions of the Animal Diseases Act (No. 35 of 1984). These include:
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Restricting the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals
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Keeping detailed livestock movement records for traceability
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Quarantining new animals for 28 days before mixing with existing herds
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Disinfecting vehicles and equipment
Farmers are urged to report any suspected cases—such as animals showing excessive salivation, mouth lesions, or difficulty walking—to their local state veterinary officer.
National Situation
As of 31 July, the national Department of Agriculture reported 236 active FMD outbreaks across the country out of 255 cases recorded this year. Active cases remain in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North West, and the Free State. Outbreaks in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape have been resolved, while the Northern Cape and Western Cape remain unaffected.
The initial two Free State outbreaks earlier this year were linked to feedlots in Gauteng. Meanwhile, rumours of new cases in a Mpumalanga feedlot are circulating via text message, but officials have not confirmed them.
Industry Reaction
Dr Jack Armour, operations manager at Free State Agriculture, described the new outbreaks as “disappointing” and urged producers to step up biosecurity measures.
“Farmers must ensure their own biosecurity,” he said. “We all have a role to play in containing the spread and managing the risk.”
