The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture says efforts to contain the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease across the province have been intensified. 

The province has so far recorded eight laboratory-confirmed outbreaks and 53 clinical cases, mainly affecting the Frances Baard and John Taolo Gaetsewe districts.

Authorities say more than 60-thousand cattle have already been vaccinated across eight municipalities and over 300 farms and livestock sites as part of containment measures. 

The department has allocated 19 million rand towards the response and appointed 15 Animal Health Technicians to support vaccination and monitoring efforts.

Farmers and livestock owners are being urged to avoid unnecessary animal movement and to report any suspected symptoms to veterinary authorities immediately.