It’s placed veterinary authorities and livestock producers on high alert as containment measures are rolled out. The confirmed case is on a farm in Kuruman, said Dr Zamani Saul.

FMD disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact between animals, as well as indirectly through contaminated vehicles, equipment, feed, clothing, and people moving between farms.

Common symptoms 

• blisters or sores on the mouth, tongue, and lips;
• blisters on hooves and between the toes;
• excessive drooling, lameness, and difficulty walking;
• fever and loss of appetite; and
• sudden drop in milk production.

An outbreak of FMD results in immediate livestock movement restrictions, disruption of auctions and abattoirs, and potential loss of export markets. 

These impacts extend beyond farmers to transporters, processors, and the broader rural economy.

In line with national policy, the provincial department of agriculture has activated strict prevention, early detection, and rapid containment measures to manage and control the outbreak.

Strict biosecurity protocols must be followed in an outbreak of FMD. Photo: Pexel

The department has already collected the first batch of the FMD vaccine in line with national disease protocols, and the consignment is being delivered to Kuruman to support targeted outbreak containment interventions. 

MEC Lebogang Motlhaping will be delivering the first batch of vaccines. The provincial government appeals to all farmers, livestock owners, and communities to immediately report any signs of FMD, cooperate fully with Veterinary officials during inspections, and refrain from moving cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.

An outbreak of FMD results in immediate livestock movement restrictions. Photo: Pexel

All biosecurity measures must be followed, including limiting farm visitors and disinfecting all vehicles and equipment. FMD does not pose any risk to human health, however, it carries serious economic implications for farmers and the livestock sector.

Collaboration with the national department of agriculture and all relevant partners remains ongoing, and all role players are urged to cooperate fully to bring this outbreak under control.

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OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder dg