The Western Cape Government Cabinet received an update on Wednesday on measures being implemented to manage Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD), with officials confirming the outbreak remains contained within the province.
The briefing, delivered during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 4 February, outlined ongoing efforts by provincial authorities and agricultural stakeholders to protect the livestock industry and safeguard rural livelihoods.
Western Cape Veterinary Services confirmed an FMD outbreak in November 2025 on a farm near Gouda, prompting immediate containment measures. The affected property, along with two additional properties in the Velddrif and Bredasdorp areas from which cattle are believed to have been moved to the Gouda farm, have been placed under quarantine.
Comprehensive response measures
Authorities have implemented extensive containment protocols, including the quarantine of all properties with cloven-hoofed animals within a 10 km radius of the affected area. Veterinary teams have conducted thorough inspections while epidemiological tracing has been carried out to track potential transmission routes.
Roadblocks and inspection points have been established to monitor and regulate livestock movement into and within the province. The response represents a coordinated effort between the provincial government, Agri Western Cape, and affected municipalities. FMD, whilst posing no risk to humans, is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
The virus spreads through direct animal contact or indirectly via contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing, or feed.
Regional Cooperation
Cabinet has endorsed continued collaboration with neighbouring provinces and the national Department of Agriculture’s FMD Task Team, which coordinates nationwide efforts to control and ultimately eradicate the disease within the next decade. Officials have requested the task team consider border closures to prevent disease spread from other provinces.
Premier Alan Winde emphasised the importance of collective action: “We must continue to work together, utilising all measures we have at our disposal to eradicate FMD. Ongoing coordinated surveillance, strict biosecurity, and transparent communication are essential.”
Provincial agriculture minister Dr Ivan Meyer stated that protecting the Western Cape’s livestock sector remained the “foremost priority,” whilst mobility minister Isaac Sileku announced intensified inspections at provincial entry points, describing livestock movement as “one of the highest risk pathways for spreading the virus.
“The province’s agricultural sector contributes significantly to the regional economy, with officials determined to prevent wider economic impact through swift, science-led intervention,” he said.
