Free State on high alert amid foot and mouth disease outbreak


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The Free State Department of Agriculture says it remains on high alert particularly in towns bordering provinces that are dealing with the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

Agriculture MEC Elzabe Rockman has urged farmers, auctioneers and people that transport livestock to implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease to their farms.

All movements of cloven hooved animals must be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate indicating that the animals are clinically free of FMD and that the 28 days of isolation after movement is adhered to.

Suspicious clinical symptoms like salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions must be reported to the local state veterinarian immediately and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances.

So far, there are no reports of the disease in the Free State.

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen says the government will embark on a massive vaccination program to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease.