Eight new Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases have been clinically confirmed in the Free State, bringing the province’s total to 687 cases.
According to the latest cases were recorded in the Boshof State Veterinary Area (2) and Smithfield State Veterinary Area (6), according to the department of agriculture, rural development and environmental affairs.
Of the 687 confirmed cases, 181 have been resolved and quarantine restrictions lifted following the successful implementation of disease control measures.
The department said more than 1.25 million cattle have been vaccinated as part of the national risk-based vaccination programme and urged livestock owners to continue reporting suspected cases immediately, warning that failure to do so undermines disease control efforts and constitutes a violation of the Animal Diseases Act.
Farmers and livestock owners have also been reminded to maintain strict biosecurity measures, comply with movement restrictions and adhere to quarantine requirements to help contain the spread of the disease.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
