The Western Cape Government has allocated R100 million to procure vaccines in response to the ongoing national foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, Premier Alan Winde announced on Sunday.
Speaking alongside Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer, Premier Winde said the government was acting swiftly with stakeholders to address the crisis.
“We are acting swiftly with all stakeholders to get ahead of this outbreak. The Western Cape Government will set aside R100 million to procure enough vaccine doses to protect livestock,” he stressed.
Border controls and movement restrictions in place
Twenty-four-hour border controls have been implemented since Wednesday, with authorities considering complete border closures and a permit system for cross-border trade. Animal movement is currently prohibited in outbreak areas.
The government is awaiting confirmation from national Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen to implement a border permit system and procure vaccines as a provincial government.
21-point action plan being implemented
A comprehensive 21-point plan is being urgently rolled out, covering movement control through 24-hour border controls and permit systems, monitoring and surveillance via rapid veterinary response teams, protocols including communication and by-law enforcement, and recovery operations involving cleaning and quarantine monitoring.
Recent outbreaks and management
Foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in the Mbekweni area near Wellington on Friday morning, following a suspected case reported by a private veterinarian on Wednesday. Animal health officials immediately began vaccinating affected cattle and surrounding herds.
The outbreak follows a previous confirmed case in Gouda in November 2025, which was successfully resolved through cooperation between role players. All animals on the infected farm were slaughtered and the premises is undergoing cleaning and disinfection.
Suspected cases under investigation
Suspected cases have been reported and inspected in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza and Kalkfontein. Blood samples have been collected for laboratory testing, with vaccination programmes beginning immediately in affected areas.
An investigation is underway to determine the outbreak’s extent and establish necessary control measures.
Economic impact concerns
“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,” said Premier Winde.
Disease information and prevention
Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected animals and via vehicles, equipment, clothing and feed. It affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, causing painful mouth and hoof sores, but does not affect humans.
Farmers are urged to purchase animals only from trusted sources, restrict access to livestock, and maintain proper biosecurity practices including cleaning and disinfecting equipment and clothing.
Livestock movement to and within the Western Cape must be reported using a web application to enable veterinary services to identify high-risk movements. Information packs have been distributed to animal owners, auctions and transporters regarding responsibilities and regulations.
Any suspected cases must be reported immediately to the nearest state veterinarian.
