Free State farm confirms foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Image: IOL.
(The Post News)– The Department of Agriculture has issued a warning about a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in the Free State. A commercial farm in Kroonstad confirmed its first case last Thursday, prompting immediate action.
The latest outbreak follows a similar one earlier in 2025 that affected five provinces, with KwaZulu-Natal being the most severely impacted. The Department of Agriculture is working to contain the spread of the disease.
The affected farm in Kroonstad was quickly placed under quarantine after confirming the foot-and-mouth disease case. The infected cattle are displaying symptoms such as lameness, excessive salivation, and sores on their hooves and mouths.
According to the Department of Agriculture, a total of 270 foot-and-mouth cases have been reported since July, with 249 cases still unresolved. The department is taking measures to control the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact.
In response to the outbreak, the department had previously implemented a temporary ban on international trade and ordered vaccines to help combat the spread of the disease. These measures aim to prevent further spread and protect the livestock industry.
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