BETHLEHEM – The Dihlabeng Local Municipality has continued its foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign with a visit to Saulspoort Farm this week.
The municipality, in partnership with the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Animal Health Services, is conducting the campaign across the Dihlabeng municipal area, which includes Bethlehem, Clarens, Fouriesburg, Paul Roux and Rosendal.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. The disease does not infect humans and poses no food safety risk, but can reduce livestock productivity.
Municipal and provincial veterinary officials have urged livestock owners to participate in the vaccination programme. The vaccine is supplied free of charge by government and is not available for sale.
Farmers are encouraged to present their animals for vaccination, maintain accurate livestock records and comply with movement control measures implemented to contain the disease.
The municipality said the measures are intended to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, protect livestock populations and support the sustainability of the agricultural sector within the district.
