Western Cape Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer has called for urgent and united action to curb the growing threat of animal disease outbreaks, warning that biosecurity lapses could harm the province’s economy and jeopardise thousands of jobs.

Meyer said outbreaks such as African Swine Fever in informal farming settlements, rabies in Cape fur seals, and detections of Avian Influenza (H5 with low pathogenicity) in isolated areas pose a direct risk to agriculture and livelihoods.

“We cannot afford to be complacent. Our Growth for Jobs (G4J) strategy is built on clear goals and outcomes to create a better Western Cape for all. Disease outbreaks pose a direct threat to this vision,” he said.

The MEC urged government, farmers, researchers, industry partners, and citizens to work together to strengthen biosecurity.

“Biosecurity is our first line of defence. Through cooperation, vigilance, and swift action, we can protect the health and sustainability of this sector and the well-being of every resident in the Western Cape,” Meyer said.

Dr Christi Kloppers, State Veterinarian in the Department of Agriculture’s Swellendam office, emphasised the difficulties of implementing disease controls in vulnerable sectors.

“The practical application of biosecurity measures in an informal/subsistence farming operation poses huge challenges to animal disease control, and provincial and municipal resources should be used optimally to protect the economy and the livelihoods of our residents,” Kloppers said.

Meyer stressed that the consequences of failing to act could be devastating.

“Every outbreak we prevent is a business saved, a job protected, and a family’s future secured. This means being alert, reporting suspected cases immediately, and adhering to the strictest biosecurity protocols, on farms, during the transport of livestock, and throughout the entire value chain,” he said.

The Western Cape Government is mobilising resources, coordinating with national authorities, and working with industry partners to safeguard food security, protect exports, and maintain trading partner confidence.

“As highlighted during my recent engagement with executive mayors and municipal managers, we believe that biosecurity is everyone’s business. So, throughout the value chain, from farm to fork, we should take the necessary steps to protect the integrity of agricultural produce. Doing so will support economic growth and help us create more jobs,” Meyer said.

IOL News

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