The Free State Dept. of Agriculture confirms 17 new cases of FMD

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen during foot and mouth vaccination drive.

The Free State Department of Agriculture says four new cases of Foot and Mouth disease have been reported in the province, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 17.

The four cases were reported in Vrede, Virginia, and Ladybrand.

In a statement released by the department, it says it received 200 000 doses of the Biogenesis Bago vaccine last month, and 195 thousand doses of the Dollvet vaccine two weeks ago.

The statement further says the rollout will continue in all five districts with a total of 245 649 cattle so far having been vaccinated.

The department says applications for vaccination are open, and it has received a large number of requests.

The department further informed farmers that not all applications will be successful during the first round of vaccination, as the department has prioritised high-risk areas through a targeted vaccination approach.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed today’s outcome in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, which has affirmed the department’s lawful authority to regulate and manage South Africa’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease #FMD. https://t.co/zqNpJtzsCk #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/VZricjrDzQ

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 24, 2026