Western Cape farms under quarantine as authorities investigate foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has placed several farms under immediate quarantine following reports of suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle recently transported from the region, sparking concerns about a potential outbreak of the highly contagious livestock disease.

The investigation began on 1 November when a Free State farmer reported suspicious lesions in cattle that had been transported from the Gouda area in the Western Cape. The concerning symptoms prompted swift action from veterinary authorities, who immediately placed the Gouda property under quarantine.

Western Cape Veterinary Services dispatched inspectors to the suspected source property, where veterinarians confirmed the presence of suspected lesions in the animals’ mouths – a telltale sign of foot-and-mouth disease. Critical samples have been collected and rushed to laboratory facilities for definitive testing to either confirm or rule out FMD.

The quarantine net has since widened to include two additional properties in the Velddrif and Bredasdorp areas, from which cattle had been moved on 30 October – just one day before the initial report. Both locations are scheduled for thorough veterinary inspections as authorities work to contain any potential spread.

Officials are now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the transport company responsible for moving the affected livestock. In a precautionary measure, all properties that have received animals from this company within the past 30 days will be contacted and subjected to inspection.

“We are still working to verify the exact origin of the potentially infected cattle,” a spokesperson for Western Cape Veterinary Services stated. “Our priority is to trace all possible points of contact and ensure we have a complete picture of animal movements.”

Foot-and-mouth disease is classified as a controlled animal disease in South Africa, making immediate reporting to state veterinarians legally mandatory upon any suspicion of infection. The disease poses significant economic threats to the livestock industry due to its highly contagious nature.

FMD spreads rapidly through direct contact between infected animals and can also transmit via contaminated vehicles, equipment, feed, and clothing. The disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing painful sores to develop in the mouth and on the feet of affected animals.

Importantly for public health, foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans, though it can devastate livestock populations and agricultural economies.

To combat potential spread, authorities are emphasising the critical importance of farm biosecurity measures. Current regulations require that all cloven-hoofed animals be transported with proper health declarations and commitments to maintain 28-day isolation periods at destination properties.

All livestock movements into and within the Western Cape must be reported through the official online system. This digital tracking system enables Western Cape Veterinary Services to monitor high-risk animal movements in real-time.

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The Department of Agriculture has developed comprehensive information packages specifically designed for animal owners, landowners, auctioneers, and livestock transporters. These resources outline responsibilities and applicable regulations, and are available at https://www.elsenburg.com/western-cape/infopaks/.

Additional information about foot-and-mouth disease, including contact details for Western Cape Veterinary Services offices across the region, can be accessed at https://www.elsenburg.com/western-cape/frequently-asked-questions/faq-foot-and-mouth-disease/.

A confirmed FMD outbreak could have serious implications for South Africa’s livestock industry, potentially affecting export markets and requiring extensive quarantine measures. The rapid response by veterinary authorities demonstrates the seriousness with which such suspected cases are treated.

Farmers and livestock owners are urged to remain vigilant for signs of FMD in their animals and to report any suspicious symptoms immediately to state veterinarians. Early detection and reporting remain the most effective tools in preventing widespread outbreaks.