Foot & Mouth Disease -Excerpts from a letter from the Wild Trout Association regarding precautionary measures and participant requirements for the Dirt Road WTA Festival from 17 to 21 March 2026.

FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE EPIDEMIC

I have had had discussions and various communications with several key WTA riparian members and who are in agreement with allowing the annual festival participants onto their properties subject to certain conditions that are included below for perusal.

Unfortunately, I do not have crystal ball to facilitate seeing into the future so decisions have been and will be made with all concerned best interests at heart. It is also important to note that the existing situation could change overnight in which case, the situation will be re-assessed as, when and if necessary. Decisions may then be taken accordingly that will be made in co-operation with riparian members with their and the community’s best interests at heart as well as bearing participants situations in mind.

The gravity of the situation nationally and locally cannot be over-emphasized. The very future of the Wild Trout Association may hang in the balance, should there be an outbreak directly attributable to a participant so I would ask that everyone abides by all of the requirements.

Details concerning the disinfection station in Barkly East will be circulated as soon as they become available. Open and closing times may be a problem for some however, they remain to be seen. In the meantime, I would ask that your trip to Rhodes be planned to allow sufficient time for the disinfection of your vehicle.

All of the best, albeit under arduous circumstances.

Dave Walker,

Chairman,

23-1-2026

 

 WTA festival 2026 - Foot & Mouth Disease - Precautionary measures and participant requirements for the Dirt Road Wild Trout Festival from 17 to 21 March 2026

 

  1. Participants to ensure that all items of clothing to be worn during the festival have been appropriately laundered.

 

  1. Participants to ensure that all of their fly-fishing tackle and flies have been appropriately disinfected, preferably with F10 disinfectant.

 

  1. A knap-sack disinfectant spraying device with disinfectant will be available at Walkerbouts Inn for the purpose.

 

  1. All participants to have their vehicles well- washed i.e. no mud or organic material in the wheel wells etc immediately before heading for Rhodes.

 

  1. Participants are all required to travel via Barkly East where a disinfection station is to be found at the Barkly East Show Grounds or a similar accredited station, details and operating hours to be advised in due course. See the G E image re the B E Showgrounds.

 

  1. NB. The Pitseng/ Naudesnek Pass “short-cut” to Rhodes from KZN may only be used on the way home.

 

  1. Should there be a disinfection station in your neighbourhood/district and you have your vehicle duly disinfected immediately before heading to Rhodes then you will be exempted from making use of the Barkly East facility.

 

  1. Appropriate disinfection certification i.e. a receipt or suitable proof, for each vehicle must be obtained, albeit from your nearest station or in Barkly East for presentation on arrival in Rhodes. Such a document must include the registration number.

 

  1. All vehicles’ tyres and undercarriages to be sprayed on site in Rhodes on a daily basis before heading out on fishing trips.

 

  1. All participants to disinfect fishing boots/footwear in foot baths provided at Walkerbouts on a daily basis before heading out each day.

 

  1. Vehicles must be at designated sites for each beat. Sites will be appropriately marked. No vehicles may be driven on farms other than to the designated area.

 

  1. Remember that the property is precious to the owner so treat it as such.

 

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