The Free State has recorded no new foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in the past week, but 28 cases remain active and under quarantine, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs.
In a media statement issued on Friday 16 October, the department confirmed that the cumulative number of cases remains at 804, of which 776 have been resolved following the completion of the required disease-control measures.
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The Kroonstad State Veterinary Area, which falls under the Moqhaka Local Municipality, has recorded 127 confirmed cases, the highest figure among the areas listed in the update.
Heilbron follows with 98 cases, Frankfort with 81, Bethlehem with 75 and Sasolburg with 64. The Welkom State Veterinary Area, covering the Matjhabeng and Nala municipalities, has recorded 55 cases.
Other figures include Boshoff with 53 cases, Warden and Ladybrand with 46 each, Bultfontein with 44, Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu with 35, Qwaqwa with 29, Fauresmith with 28 and Smithfield with 23.
Cases have been confirmed in 19 local municipalities across the province. The department reported that 1 713 747 cattle had received their first vaccination using Biogenesis Bago and Dollvet vaccines as part of the national risk-based vaccination strategy. A further 14 341 cattle were vaccinated by farmers, bringing the total number vaccinated in the Free State to 1 728 088.
Vaccination continues, with priority given to infected properties, neighbouring farms and other high-risk areas. However, limited vaccine availability means that not all applications can be accommodated during the initial phases of the programme.
Farmers wishing to vaccinate their own herds may apply to become authorised persons through the National FMD Reporting System.
The department has received 193 notifications from farmers indicating their intention to vaccinate their cattle. Kroonstad accounts for 62 notifications, followed by Ladybrand with 21 and Heilbron with 16.
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The department has expressed concern about livestock owners who fail to report suspected infections. Under national control measures published on 8 July, suspected cases must be reported to the nearest State Veterinary Office on the same day they are identified.
Farmers are urged to isolate affected animals immediately, restrict unnecessary access to livestock premises and maintain strict biosecurity measures. These include disinfecting vehicles, equipment, clothing and footwear, as well as keeping accurate records of animal identification, vaccination and movements.
Livestock movement from quarantined properties requires written authorisation from the State Veterinarian, the prescribed Veterinary Red Cross Permit and the necessary documentation. The department warned that quarantine and movement restrictions remain legally enforceable until officially withdrawn by Veterinary Services.
Although no new cases were reported during the week, authorities stressed that continued cooperation, prompt reporting and vaccination remain essential to controlling the outbreak and protecting the province’s livestock industry.
