Foot-and-mouth disease cases in the Free State have climbed to 739, with the provincial agriculture department warning livestock owners that failure to report suspected infections and poor biosecurity could fuel further spread of the disease.
The Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs confirmed 11 new clinically confirmed cases in its latest update dated 31 July.
Three of the new cases were recorded in the Welkom State Veterinary Area, four in Fauresmith, two in Bloemfontein and two in Boshof.
Despite the increase, the department said progress was being made in bringing affected properties under control.
Of the 739 confirmed cases, 492 have been resolved, with the affected properties having met the prescribed requirements for quarantine to be lifted. A further 247 cases remain active and under quarantine.
The disease has been confirmed in 19 local municipalities across the province.
The Kroonstad State Veterinary Area, covering parts of Moqhaka Municipality, has recorded the highest number of cases at 125. It is followed by Heilbron with 95 cases, Frankfort with 81, Bethlehem with 67 and Sasolburg with 64.
Welkom has recorded 49 confirmed cases, while Ladybrand has 46 and Warden 45.
Other affected areas include Qwa-Qwa with 29 cases, Bultfontein with 35, Boshof with 51, Smithfield with 16, Fauresmith and Bloemfontein with 17 each, and Thaba Nchu with two.
The department said it remained concerned about the continued failure by some livestock owners to report suspected FMD cases.
It reminded farmers that reporting a suspected case is not only a legal obligation but is also critical to disease surveillance and containment.
Under the national FMD control measures published in Government Gazette No. 54969 on 8 July 2026, suspected cases must be reported on the same day they are identified.
Early reporting allows veterinary officials to investigate, quarantine affected properties and introduce control measures before the disease spreads further.
Poor biosecurity can increase the risk of FMD being transmitted between neighbouring properties and undermine ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak.
Farmers have been urged to restrict unnecessary access to livestock premises and to keep proper visitor records.
The provincial department said vaccination efforts were continuing under the national risk-based FMD vaccination strategy.
By 30 July, a total of 1 438 393 cattle had been vaccinated using Biogenesis Bago and Dollvet vaccines.
Priority is being given to infected properties, neighbouring farms, epidemiologically linked properties and other high-risk areas identified through veterinary risk assessments.
However, the department said demand for vaccination remained high and that limited vaccine availability meant not every application could be accommodated during the initial phases.
Farmers have been encouraged to continue submitting vaccination applications, as the information assists authorities with planning future vaccine allocations and campaigns.
Livestock owners, auctioneers, feedlots, speculators and other industry players have been reminded of their legal responsibilities to prevent the introduction and spread of FMD.
The department said livestock movements from quarantined properties may only take place with written permission from the State Veterinarian, together with the required Veterinary Red Cross Permit and other movement documentation.
Farmers have been urged to maintain accurate records of livestock identification, vaccination histories and animal movements to assist with traceability and disease investigations.
The department said quarantine notices, movement restrictions and biosecurity requirements must remain in place until they are officially withdrawn by Veterinary Services.
With 247 cases still active, authorities are urging livestock owners and other industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and report suspected infections immediately.
