Agriculture
Failure to report foot-and-mouth disease increases risk─── ISABEL VAN TONDER 05:00 Tue, 24 Mar 2026
Failure to report suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases severely hampers effective planning for vaccination.
Inaccurate information may cause shortages in vaccines and delay the implementation of control measures. It may also increase the risk of further spread of the disease, said the department of agriculture and rural development.
Farmers are strongly advised and encouraged to report any suspected cases of FMD as soon as possible to their nearest state veterinarian or animal health technician to enable prompt investigation and control of the disease. The department has noted with concern that some farmers are no longer adhering to biosecurity principles. This significantly increases the risk of accelerated viral spread to surrounding farms.
All farmers are reminded of their legal obligations in terms of Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, which requires every animal owner to take reasonable steps to prevent the introduction and spread of state-controlled diseases. In line with Government Gazette No. 51512 of 13 June 2025 and the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), all farmers, auctioneers, and speculators are urged to restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and adhere strictly to biosecurity measures.
Documents must be in place for the movement of animals under quarantine. Photo: Pexel
Quarantine new livestock for 28 days, keep accurate records, and report any suspected cases to the local state veterinary office. All farmers, industry partners, and stakeholders are urged by the department to work together to stop the spread of the disease, which includes the reporting of suspected ill animals.
Remaining silent will only prolong the outbreaks and delay the process of returning to normal. The department also reminds stakeholders the movement of animals under quarantine without the necessary documentation is a criminal offence. These measures are critical to protect the livestock industry.
Measures must be followed and adhered as it is critical to protect the livestock industry, prevent the spread of FMD and safeguard the livelihoods of all farmers in the Free State province.
