Western Cape Government intensifies measures against foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Western Cape Cabinet has endorsed intensified controls to keep foot-and-mouth disease contained, with stricter livestock movement checks and ongoing quarantines to protect farmers, jobs and the provincial economy.
Image: Murray Swart/ Cape Argus
The Western Cape Government has intensified controls to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with Cabinet endorsing stricter surveillance, livestock movement checks and continued quarantines after receiving an update on the provincial response.
Authorities say the outbreak, first confirmed on a farm near Gouda in November 2025, remains contained with no evidence of spread beyond the original index property.
FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. While it does not infect humans, it poses a serious threat to livestock production and trade, making strict movement controls and surveillance critical to containment.
Premier Alan Winde said decisive action would continue to protect jobs and the agricultural economy. “We must continue to work together, utilising all measures we have at our disposal to eradicate FMD. We will act swiftly to protect farmers, animals, and jobs,” Winde said.
Cabinet endorsed the ongoing quarantine of the affected farm, as well as two other properties in the Velddrif and Bredasdorp areas linked to livestock movements. All properties with cloven-hoofed animals within a 10km radius were also quarantined while veterinary teams carried out inspections and epidemiological tracing.
Western Cape Mec of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said coordinated action was key to limiting economic fallout. “Our foremost priority is to protect the Western Cape’s livestock sector and the jobs that depend on it,” Meyer said. “Through coordinated action, strict biosecurity, and unwavering partnership with our farmers, vets, and industry bodies, we are containing this outbreak.”
Livestock movement controls are being tightened at provincial entry points. Mobility Mec Isaac Sileku said inspections would be stepped up on major routes and at weighbridges. “The movement of livestock is one of the highest risk pathways for spreading the virus, and we cannot afford any lapses,” Sileku said.
At national level, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen described the current outbreak as the worst in the country’s history, saying defeating it “is not a part-time job”. Speaking in Durban, he said intensified vaccination and disease management were central to protecting farmers and exports.
Concerns over mounting pressure on rural economies were raised by Freedom Front Plus agriculture spokesperson Wynand Boshoff, who warned that prolonged restrictions were compounding financial damage. “Every week this crisis is allowed to continue, the irrevocable damage is compounded,” Boshoff said, urging greater flexibility from banks and support for farmers under strain.
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Cape Argus