The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed eight new cases of foot and mouth disease in Boshof and Smithfield on 17 July 2026.
The new cases bring the provincial total to 687 confirmed infections. Of these, 181 cases have been resolved and the affected properties have met all requirements for quarantine to be lifted.
Officials urged farmers to keep reporting any suspected cases. Vaccination efforts continue on infected premises and in other high-risk areas.
The department stressed the need for ongoing vigilance among the farming community to control the spread.