Western Cape Government allocates R100 million to combat foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

The Western Cape Government has set aside R100 million to strengthen its response to the national foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, as authorities intensify vaccination, movement controls and surveillance across the province.

Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer provided an update yesterday, outlining urgent steps being taken to contain the highly contagious animal disease and protect the province’s livestock sector.

“We are acting swiftly with all stakeholders to get ahead of this outbreak. The Western Cape Government will set aside R100 million to procure enough vaccine doses to protect livestock,” Winde said.

The province has already implemented 24/7 border controls, with consideration being given to full border closures and a permit system for cross-border livestock trade, subject to confirmation from national Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. In outbreak areas, the movement of animals has been prohibited.

A 21-point response plan is being rolled out, focusing on strict movement control, on-the-ground monitoring and surveillance by veterinary services, enforcement of by-laws, coordinated communication, and recovery measures such as cleaning and monitoring of quarantine zones.

Authorities confirmed that several confirmed and suspected outbreaks are currently at different stages of management and control.

The first confirmed case in the province, reported in Gouda in November last year, has been resolved after all animals on the infected farm were slaughtered at an approved abattoir. The property is now undergoing cleaning and disinfection.

More recently, a suspected case was reported in the Mbekweni area on Wednesday, February 4, by a private veterinarian from Wellington. Samples were immediately collected and flown to Pretoria for testing, and provisional quarantine measures were put in place for the affected farm and surrounding cattle owners.

Foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed on Friday, prompting immediate vaccination of affected cattle and neighbouring herds. Investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the outbreak and what additional control measures may be required.

Suspected cases have also been reported in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza and Kalkfontein, where blood samples have been collected and vaccination is set to begin with immediate effect.

“The Western Cape Government is taking the necessary action to slow the spread of FMD and vaccinate herds. Our focus is on protecting a critical multi-billion rand industry which employs 50,000 residents,” Winde said.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a controlled animal disease and must be reported immediately to the nearest state veterinarian. While it does not affect humans, it spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and can be transmitted via vehicles, equipment, clothing and feed.

Farmers have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures, buy livestock only from trusted sources, restrict access to animals, and ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, equipment and footwear.

All livestock movement to and within the province must also be reported using the Western Cape Veterinary Services web application, which enables authorities to identify high-risk movements.

Information packs for farmers, auctioneers and livestock transporters have been made available through the Department of Agriculture to ensure compliance with regulations.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus