The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed another outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the town of Hertzogville, about 140km northwest of Bloemfontein.
A statement issued by the department said this is in addition to current FMD outbreaks in Viljoenskroon, Marquard, Bethlehem and Harrismith.
The department said it is implementing all measures possible to bring the disease under control in the areas the disease was initially reported.
“This latest outbreak was brought to our attention following an unsuccessful attempt by a farmer from Hertzogville to participate in a livestock auction that took place in Christiana in the North West province,” read part of the statement.
“The group of animals that this farmer took to this auction were discovered to be showing typical FMD lesions. These animals were subsequently sent back to the farm of origin in the Free State province, and the farm in Hertzogville has been placed under quarantine.”
The department said plans are also afoot to conduct FMD surveillance on neighbouring farms within a 10km radius.
Meanwhile, the cases of FMD in Viljoenskroon, Marquard and Bethlehem have reportedly stabilised and, according to the department, all indicators show that the virus is no longer circulating in the three towns.
The department said it has also established roadblocks in Harrismith and Marquard as a joint operation with SAPS and the traffic department to monitor unauthorised movement of livestock between different towns, as well as for disinfection of bakkies and trucks known to have been on farms. – Staff Reporter
