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Vrystaat Landbou Urges Action as Foot-and-Mouth outbreaks escalate in Free State

October 27, 2025

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Free State Agriculture (FSA) / Vrystaat Landbou notes with grave concern the escalating outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across several regions of the Free State. According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s latest update on 23 October 2025, there are now 56 confirmed cases across nine outbreak areas, including Kroonstad, Viljoenskroon/Vredefort, Deneysville, Cornelia/Frankfort, Heilbron, Parys, Sasolburg, Edenville, and Odendaalsrus.

“Unfortunately, the Department’s failure to effectively enforce movement restrictions and quarantine zones has allowed the disease to spread at an alarming rate. Farmers are being left increasingly isolated, without adequate veterinary support or clear communication from authorities.”

According to Dr Jack Armour, commercial manager for FSA, reports from affected members reveal a growing sense of desperation on the ground. “Farmers are expected to comply with strict quarantine regulations and biosecurity controls but are not receiving the necessary guidance, resources, or professional assistance from government.”

A letter received by FSA from affected farmers describes the situation as “a national agricultural disaster”.

“Livestock farming is the backbone of Free State agriculture and a key stabilizer of the broader agricultural economy. Continued FMD infections threaten not only farm income but also national food security and rural job stability”, says Friedl von Maltitz, vice-president of FSA.

“As the outbreak spreads, both domestic and export markets are at risk, with long-term implications for the livestock value chain and South Africa’s credibility as a trading nation.”

Call for immediate intervention

Free State Agriculture urgently calls on the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to:

1. Provide clear, science-based communication to all farmers about protocols, testing, and reporting.

2. Increase and deploy qualified veterinary teams to affected areas with proper protective measures.

3. Re-establish local vaccine production capacity at Onderstepoort to ensure sustainable access to effective FMD vaccines.

4. Offer emergency financial relief to affected farmers who are suffering significant economic losses due to quarantine restrictions.

Von Maltitz affirmed that FSA fully supports all lawful movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols under the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), urging farmers to adhere to the following measures:

– Restrict the movement of cloven-hoofed animals.

– Maintain strict biosecurity controls and accurate movement records.

– Quarantine new livestock for 28 days.

– Report any suspect symptoms immediately to their local State Veterinary Office.

“These measures can only be effective if they are matched by transparent leadership, coordinated implementation, and real support for farmers on the ground,” says von Maltitz. “This outbreak has reached a critical point. Without decisive, unified intervention, the consequences will extend far beyond livestock losses, threatening livelihoods, food production, and national stability.”

FSA remains committed to working with government and industry partners to restore control, rebuild confidence, and protect the Free State’s farming community.