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Dr. Kristan Mojapelo from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Free State, says that a possible outbreak is being investigated on two farms in the Viljoenskroon area and one farm at Frankfort. He explains that it is suspected that animals were procured on a farm in Potchefstroom in the North West -  where an outbreak of FMD was recently confirmed by the National Department of Agriculture - and at an auction that was held on 18 March in the same town.

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All three of the farms in the Free State have in the meantime been placed under quarantine based on the suspicion of the movement of animals and clinical findings that were made during the department’s inspection, says Mojapelo. Prescribed samples have been collected by Veterinary Services personnel in order to determine the disease status of each of the farms.

Mojapelo suspects that the virus made its way into the province due to the movement of animals that was not sanctioned by a state or private vet from other provinces.

He also requests farmers who have moved or bought animals from other provinces within the past 14 to 28 days, and are seeing signs of the disease, such as profuse salivation, difficulty walking, legions and blisters in the mouth and feet, to report them to their nearest state vet.

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“FMD is a state-controlled viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Infected animals are characterised by the development of fluid-filled vesicles and erosions on the mouth and feet of the animals.

“The animals that are infected with the disease are not able to eat and walk as a result of these lesions. Calves and lambs die from heart failure.

“The disease will result in negative economic impact due to animal movement restrictions and/or international trade bans for livestock and livestock products.”

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