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Cattle on a farm.
The Free State Department of Agriculture has confirmed 35 new cases of foot and mouth disease, bringing the provincial total to 291 cases.
Department spokesperson Moliehi Moeng says outbreaks have been recorded in several areas across the province, with infected farms placed under quarantine and movement restrictions implemented within a 10-kilometre radius.
Moeng says a suspected case near Bloemfontein is currently under investigation.
Moeng has also urged farmers to report suspected cases immediately, to comply with biosecurity regulations and avoid the illegal movement of animals.
Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Last week, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced the launch of a locally produced vaccine developed by the Agricultural Research Council.
The vaccine targets the SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 strains and will form part of the country’s broader disease control strategy alongside imported doses from Turkey, Argentina and Botswana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sSuchYK1xs
-Report by Lebohang Motshweneng
