Farmers and the department of agriculture in the Free State are on high alert following four new active cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the province, bringing the total to eight.
The department said three cases were reported in Kroonstad, which were commercial farms and on communal grazing land. Meanwhile, the recent case was confirmed in the Mafube municipal area.
“Movement restrictions have been implemented on all farms within 10-kilometre radius of the infected farms. The infected farms have been placed under quarantine, and all farms within this radius have been notified and placed under precautionary quarantine until surveillance is completed to determine any further spread of the disease,” the department stated.
Fast-tracking vaccination on infected farms
The department further said that they have prioritised the vaccination of the infected farms, which commenced with immediate effect, to assist in reducing the viral load and limiting further spread.
“Surveillance activities remain ongoing in Moqhaka, Metsimaholo and Mafube municipalities to determine the possible extent of the spread. The department remains committed to transparent communication, and we will continue to keep all stakeholders informed as further developments unfold.”
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The department said it will be implementing measures in line with government legislation and the Animal Diseases Act going forward, such as restricting the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, adhering to strict biosecurity measures, including disinfection of vehicles and equipment.
Measures include: Quarantine any new livestock for 28 days before introduction to existing herds, keep accurate records of all animal movements and visitors to farms. Report any suspect cases to the local veterinary office. We can only contain the spread of the disease if we work together.”
A livestock farmer in Vrede, Wessels Wessels, said he is worried that the FMD outbreak will reach their area, which would cause a lot of damage and a setback financially. “Foot-and-mouth that is hanging like a sword over us. Getting closer to us,” he said.
Free State Agriculture commercial manager, Dr Jack Armour, urged farmers to be hyper-focused on their own biosecurity.
“Our concern is the increased incidence of commonages. We are happy that the SAPS has published a circular directive (that we have been pushing them to do) to empower their officers to charge, arrest and impound transporters without the necessary documentation,” Armour said.
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