According to latest reports of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth diseases in Molemole, Limpopo, a total of 11 commercial properties have been found to be infected.
Of the farms that have tested positive, seven are in Capricorn, two in Vhembe and two in Mopani, according to a statement issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and an FMD technical task team.
Authorities believe there are an estimated 14 000 cattle on the infected properties which include five feedlots and six commercial breeding farms.
The affected areas have also been linked directly or indirectly to cattle sold at auctions.
A blanket ban has also been placed on all suspected and infected properties, with quarantine regulations preventing livestock from being moved in, through or out of the properties.
Immediate neighbouring properties have also been placed under quarantine.
The departmental minister, Thoko Didiza, has said that quarantine on the suspected and neighbouring properties will be lifted as soon as it has been proven that all animals on these properties are free of FMD.
The owners of infected farms have also been given slaughter options to facilitate depopulation of their herds.
Further investigation and sampling is still being conducted to determine the extent of the outbreak. – Zoë van Rooyen