BLOEMFONTEIN – More than a year after Foot-and-mouth disease was first confirmed in the Free State, the province is still battling active infections, with the number of confirmed cases now standing at 795.
The latest figures from the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs show that 191 cases remain active and under quarantine, while 604 have been resolved.
The department reported 12 new clinically confirmed cases in its latest update dated 4 September 2026.
The new cases were recorded in Bethlehem, Welkom, Bultfontein, Fauresmith, Boshof and Bloemfontein.
The province’s outbreak was first confirmed in July 2025, when FMD was detected in the Moqhaka municipal area. The disease was subsequently confirmed in Viljoenskroon in August 2025, adding to concerns about its spread through the province’s livestock industry.
The disease has now been confirmed in 19 municipalities across the Free State, with the Kroonstad State Veterinary Area recording the highest number of cases at 126. This is followed by Heilbron, with 97 cases, and Frankfort with 81.
Bethlehem has recorded 75 cases, Sasolburg 64, Welkom 54, Boshof 53, Ladybrand 46, Warden 45 and Bultfontein 42.
Authorities have stepped up vaccination efforts, with 597 410 cattle vaccinated as part of the national risk-based FMD vaccination strategy.
The department said vaccination was being prioritised for infected properties, neighbouring farms and other high-risk areas identified through veterinary assessments.
However, demand for vaccines remains high and the department warned that it could not accommodate all applications during the initial phases of the programme.
Farmers have been encouraged to continue submitting vaccination requests to help authorities plan future vaccine allocations.
The department has raised concerns about some livestock owners failing to report suspected FMD cases promptly. Authorities also warned that declining compliance with basic biosecurity measures on some farms could increase the risk of the disease spreading between neighbouring properties.
Farmers have been urged to isolate affected animals, restrict unnecessary access to their properties and disinfect vehicles, equipment, clothing and footwear.
Movement of cloven-hoofed livestock from quarantined properties requires written permission from the State Veterinarian and the prescribed veterinary documentation.
