Free State Hit By African Armyworm Outbreak

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs has confirmed that an outbreak of African Armyworms in the Free State.

African armyworms cover large areas of grass, pasture, or very small maize and sorghum in dense swarms of worms.

The department says 31 cases have been reported over the last two days in the Letsemeng Local Municipality in towns including Jacobsdal, Luckhoff and Koffiefontein.

The infestation appears to be spreading towards Boshof and the root cause of the outbreak is still unknown.

Livestock owners are urged to remove animals from the affected pastures as soon as armyworms are detected and must urgently inform the State Veterinarian or the local Animal Health Technician.