{"id":305873,"date":"2026-02-11T14:50:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T12:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/?p=305873"},"modified":"2026-02-11T14:59:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T12:59:19","slug":"foot-and-mouth-disease-threat-reaches-kalkfontein-kuils-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/tygerburger\/foot-and-mouth-disease-threat-reaches-kalkfontein-kuils-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Foot-and-mouth disease threat reaches Kalkfontein, Kuils River"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were reported in Kalkfontein, Kuils River prompting immediate action from provincial veterinary services as authorities worked to contain the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the weekend City of Cape Town enforcement agencies escorted Western Cape Agriculture Department officials, who conducted livestock inspections and vaccinations in both Kalkfontein and Mfuleni. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood samples have been collected from animals in the affected areas and sent to laboratories for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Photo
Cattle and goats grazing in Kuils River and surrounds have become a familiar sight. Photo: Carina Roux<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although Kalkfontein is a residential area it has several informal farming operations, including piggeries as well as cattle and goat-farming activities.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daniel Johnson, spokesperson for Ivan Meyer, provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said 284 cattle displaying typical signs of FMD have been vaccinated in the area as a precautionary method.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disease affects all cloven-hoofed animals causing painful sores in the mouth and around the hooves. While FMD does not affect humans, it can devastate livestock operations.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provincial response escalates\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The development comes as the province battles multiple suspected outbreaks across the region, including a confirmed case in Wellington’s Mbekweni area, where FMD was confirmed on Friday 6 February after a private veterinarian reported suspected symptoms earlier in the week.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provincial authorities have implemented 24\/7 border controls since Wednesday 4 February, with consideration being given to complete border closures and a permit system for cross-border trade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In outbreak areas all animal movement is now prohibited. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Premier Alan Winde emphasised the economic stakes involved: “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.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stressed the province is acting swiftly to get ahead of the outbreak and will set R100 million aside to procure enough vaccine doses to protect livestock. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Action plan\n<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The province has urgently implemented a comprehensive 21-point plan, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n