Wild Trout Association

Important Notice!

Wild Trout Association,  Foot & Mouth Disease  Bio-security measures as at 26/3/2026

In consultation with riparian members of the Wild Trout Association (WTA) in the Bell River, Bokspruit, Carlisleshoekspruit, Riflespruit and  Sterkspruit catchment areas, visiting anglers may fish on specified waters subject to the following conditions;

1. Fly-fishers are required to purchase Day Permits from the Rhodes Info Centre (RIC) in order to access listed beats.
2. Fly-fishers are to ensure that all items of clothing to be worn during their fishing outing/s have been appropriately laundered.
3. Fly-fishers are to ensure that all of their fly-fishing tackle and flies have been appropriately disinfected.
4. A knap-sack disinfectant spraying device with disinfectant and footbaths will be available at both the RIC and Walkerbouts Inn for the purpose.
5. Fly-fishers to have their vehicles well- washed i.e. no mud or organic material in the wheel wells etc immediately before heading for Rhodes.
6. Fly-fishers are required to travel via Barkly East where a disinfection spraying unit is located at the 24/7 Matla Energy fuel station. corner of Graham and Cole Streets.
   GPS co-ordinates; 30° 58’ 06.83S       27°  35’ 33.6E
   W3W; graciously.menswear.baloney   (W3W = What 3 Words)
7. Should there be a disinfection station in your neighbourhood/district and you have had your vehicle duly disinfected immediately before heading to Rhodes then you will be exempted from making use of the Barkly East facility provided you can provide proof of having done so in the form of a receipt or alternatively, a recent video showing the vehicle and featuring the number plate.
8. Vehicles’ tyres and wheel wells are to be sprayed in Rhodes before heading out on fishing trips.
9. Fly-fishers are required to disinfect fishing boots/footwear in foot baths provided at the RIC or Walkerbouts immediately before heading out to your allocated beat.
10. Park at the designated site for each beat as per the beat list and abide by any additional requirements as may be made known from time to time.

Disinfecting Fly Fishing Gear to Prevent the Spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. While it does not infect humans or fish, the virus can be transported mechanically on mud, organic matter, water, boots, waders, and equipment. Proper cleaning and disinfection of fishing gear is essential to prevent accidental spread.

Core Principle

Remove organic matter first, then disinfect properly, then dry completely.

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly (Most Important Step)

FMD virus survives best in organic material such as mud, manure, blood, and plant debris.

• Rinse gear with clean water.
• Scrub off all visible mud and debris.
• Pay special attention to boot treads, wader seams, gravel guards, laces, eyelets, landing nets, wading staffs, fly boxes, and tools.

Step 2: Disinfect Properly

Only use disinfectants effective against FMD virus. Follow label instructions carefully.

Option 1: Virkon™ S (Preferred)

• Mix at 1% solution (follow label instructions).
• Ensure minimum 10 minutes contact time.
• Suitable for boots, waders, nets, hard gear, and fly boxes.

Option 2: Household Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

• Use 0.5% available chlorine solution (typically 1 part 5% bleach to 9 parts water).
• Ensure 10–15 minutes contact time.
• Rinse after use to prevent material damage.
• Best for hard gear and metal tools (rinse immediately).

Option 3: Citric Acid (Gentler on Fabrics)

• Mix 20 grams per litre of water (2% solution).
• Soak for 15 minutes.
• Rinse lightly and allow to dry.
• Suitable for boots, waders, nets, and flies.

Step 3: Dry Completely

FMD virus survives longer in damp conditions. Allow gear to dry completely for at least 48 hours in a warm, well-ventilated space. Sunlight can assist drying.

Item-Specific Guidance

Boots

• Scrub tread thoroughly.
• Disinfect using Virkon or citric acid.
• Allow to dry completely.

Waders

• Rinse inside and outside if exposed.
• Disinfect outer surfaces.
• Hang to dry fully (turn inside out as well).

Flies

• If exposed to mud or contaminated water, soak briefly in 2% citric acid.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Avoid bleach as it damages materials.

Rods and Reels

• Wipe down with disinfectant solution.
• Avoid soaking reel drag systems.
• Dry completely.

Landing Nets

• Clean thoroughly to remove debris.
• Soak in disinfectant.
• Dry fully before reuse.

Additional Biosecurity Tips

• Avoid moving between farms in a single day
• Clean vehicle footwells and pedals.
• Keep a disinfectant spray bottle in your vehicle., if you have one
• Follow local agricultural authority guidance during outbreaks.