Free State records 45 new foot and mouth disease cases

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the Free State has recorded 45 new foot and mouth disease cases, bringing the provincial total to 194.

Outbreaks have been confirmed in several areas across the province, including Heilbron, Deneysville and Sasolburg.

Strict movement restrictions and quarantines remain in place.

Farmers are warned that movement of animals under quarantine without necessary documentation is a criminal offence.

In November last year, the Agricultural Business Chamber welcomed the decision to vaccinate the entire national cattle herd against foot‑and‑mouth disease but acknowledged that the scale of this work will be challenging.

This after Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced the vaccination drive, saying millions of doses will be rolled out from early this year in the hardest‑hit provinces first.

Vaccination drive of cattle against foot and mouth disease: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idr7YkfzpZE

-Report by Lebohang Motshweneng