The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says it has managed to bring under control the foot and mouth disease which broke out in the province a few weeks ago.
“MEC . . . Thembeni Nxangisa would like to inform all farmers, farming communities and stakeholders in the sector that the department has successfully controlled the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the province,” read part of a statement issued by the department.
It said the farm in Viljoenskroon that tested positive has been cleared of the disease.
“The disease was minimised through the removal of positive animals by veterinary personnel who have been on the ground since the outbreak,” it added.
The department however warned that the risk of re-infection remains high if auctioneers who facilitate in the selling of livestock do not adhere to strict control measures.
The province initially recorded three suspected cases of the foot and mouth disease following movement of infected animals from Limpopo province to Gauteng, the North-West and subsequently to the Free State.
Nxangisa applauded the swift response of veterinary personnel who worked tirelessly to contain the disease outbreak.
“I would also like to acknowledge the role played by our stakeholders, particularly Sparta-Beef and the South African Feedlot Association who made resources available to help curb the further spread of the disease in the province. Together, we can restore the FMD free status of the province and country,” said the MEC in the statement.
He urged the farming community to remain vigilant and report any possible signs of the foot and mouth disease within their livestock.
Nxangisa said the department’s field personnel will continue carrying out routine disease surveillance to detect the possibility of new cases. – Staff Reporter