Cape Town intensifies efforts against foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
Nearly 2 600 livestock have been vaccinated across Cape Town as part of efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Image: Supplied
The City of Cape Town has intensified its response to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with nearly 2 600 livestock vaccinated across affected communities and enforcement teams deployed to support containment efforts.
The City’s Disaster Coordinating Team was activated on February 17, following the declaration of a national disaster, and has since been coordinating a multi-agency response led by the Disaster Risk Management Centre.
Weekly coordination meetings are being held, with City officials also working alongside the Western Cape government and Swartland Municipality to align interventions aimed at limiting the spread of the disease.
A key focus over the past month has been providing enforcement escorts for veterinary teams administering vaccinations to small-scale and informal farmers. City Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and Metro Police have supported operations in Mfuleni, Delft, parts of Khayelitsha, Kalkfontein, Nyanga, Philippi East, Dunoon, Wallacedene and Macassar.
These efforts have resulted in the successful vaccination of nearly 2 600 animals, as authorities prioritise high-risk areas.
Metro Police have also taken full responsibility for staffing disease control checkpoints within Cape Town, including sites near Witsand and Klipheuwel, where inspections are conducted to monitor animal movement and detect possible infections.
Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith said the City would continue to support efforts to contain the outbreak and protect both livelihoods and animal welfare.
“The City will continue to support efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth outbreak in the metropole and surrounds to safeguard the investment farmers have made into their livestock, the families it supports and the wellbeing of the animals,” he said.
Smith added that enforcement escorts allow veterinary officials to focus on vaccinations, while City staff have also received training to identify signs of infection and inspect animals in transit.
“We are also using the opportunity to build relationships with informal farmers. The current outbreak is a major challenge, but the sector is also a key roleplayer in the City’s broader efforts to achieve improved animal welfare and public safety,” he said.
The Western Cape Agri State Vet has provided specialised training to City enforcement staff, while the Disaster Risk Management Centre is supporting public awareness campaigns led by local and provincial health authorities.
Authorities have urged farmers and residents to remain vigilant and comply with all disease control measures as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.