HUMANSDORP – Kouga Local Municipality is calling on farmers and residents to adhere strictly to containment measures following the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Kruisfontein area of Humansdorp.
According to the municipality, designated containment areas have been identified within affected zones where infected livestock will be kept.
Any additional sick animals will be moved to these areas to limit further transmission.
Movement of livestock in the affected area is strictly restricted.
Animals are not permitted to leave their current locations, and Kouga Local Municipality Law Enforcement will actively monitor stray and roaming livestock.
Farmers are urged to ensure that their animals always remain confined.
Residents can report stray or roaming livestock to the Kouga Call Centre at 042 200 2200 or 081 760 9183 (WhatsApp only).
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting that strict compliance is essential.
“This outbreak poses a serious threat to the local agricultural sector and the livelihoods that depend on it. We are calling on every farmer and resident to act responsibly and follow all directives without exception,” said Bornman.
To date, cattle in the Kruisfontein area have tested positive for the disease, and a vaccine is expected to arrive by mid-February.
Until then, the municipality has indicated that movement control and avoiding contact with cattle remain critical.
While FMD does not affect humans, people can transmit the disease to other animals.
Livestock deaths have also been recorded, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
Bornman said the municipality was taking decisive steps to contain the disease.
“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. Immediate containment and cooperation from all stakeholders are vital to prevent further losses and protect livestock across Kouga,” said Bornman.
Farmers are strictly instructed to confine livestock and adhere to the following measures:
• No livestock may be moved into or out of the Kruisfontein area.
• Transportation of animals within or outside the affected area is prohibited without official permission and documentation.
• Unauthorised movement of animals will result in enforcement action.
To limit the spread of FMD, the municipality has implemented several biosecurity measures, including isolating infected animals, ongoing surveillance in surrounding areas, strict sanitisation protocols for vehicles entering affected zones, and mandatory hygiene measures for residents and farm workers.
Additional interventions include the establishment of sanitation points at strategically identified locations, including the corner of Phillips Street and Felix Street, as well as the repair and safeguarding of fencing in high-risk areas to prevent livestock movement.
The municipality has stated that warning signage will be erected, and a comprehensive media campaign will keep farmers and residents informed.
A dedicated task team, comprising the municipality and relevant stakeholders, has been established and will meet daily to coordinate interventions and mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
Bornman reiterated the importance of community cooperation.
“These precautionary measures are critical to containing the outbreak. We urge all farmers and residents to work with us, remain vigilant, and comply fully so that we can stop the spread of this disease and safeguard our farming communities.”
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