By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has confirmed a case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kroonstad, within the Moqhaka area. The affected farm, owned by a commercial livestock farmer, has been placed under immediate quarantine, and movement restrictions have been implemented on all farms within a 10-kilometre radius to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
According to the department, all farms in the surrounding area have been notified and placed under precautionary quarantine until surveillance is completed. In addition to these efforts, vaccination of livestock on the infected farm began on 11 July 2025.
“The Department has prioritised vaccination of the infected farm to assist in reducing the viral load and further circulation of the virus,” Moliehi, Director of Strategic Communications and Information Services at DARD stated in the media statement.
In line with Government Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), the department has issued a call to all farmers, auctioneers, and speculators to take immediate action.
They are urged to restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, adhere strictly to biosecurity measures including disinfection of vehicles and equipment, and quarantine any newly introduced livestock for 28 days before integration with the rest of the herd.
Farmers must also keep accurate records of all animal movements and farm visitors, and report any suspected cases, such as animals showing excessive salivation, mouth lesions, lameness, or difficulty walking, to the local State Veterinary Office.
Acting director of veterinary services Dr. Jurgens Barnard emphasised the importance of cooperation: “We can bring the spread of the disease to a complete stop if we work together,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development extended its gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation in protecting the livestock industry of the Free State.
