Urgent action: Western Cape invests R100 million to fight Foot-and-Mouth disease
The Western Cape government has announced a major push to contain the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, allocating R100 million to procure vaccines and protect livestock across the province.
Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, provided an update on Sunday, February 8, 2026, detailing a coordinated response to the disease.
“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,” Premier Winde said.
Since Wednesday, February 4, 24/7 border controls have been in place, with authorities considering complete border closures and a permit system to manage cross-border trade. Movement of animals in outbreak areas is strictly prohibited.
A 21-point plan is being urgently implemented, covering movement control, monitoring, surveillance, traceability, communication, by-law enforcement, contingency planning, and recovery operations, including cleaning and monitoring quarantine areas.
Confirmed and suspected outbreaks are being actively managed across the province. Following the Gouda outbreak in November 2025, which has since been resolved, the provincial government acted decisively by culling affected animals and implementing strict disinfection protocols.
The latest outbreak was first suspected on Wednesday, 4 February, when a private veterinarian from Wellington alerted local state officials about potential FMD in the Mbekweni area.
Samples were sent to Pretoria the same day, and provisional quarantine measures were put in place. FMD was confirmed on the morning of Friday, 6 February. Immediate vaccination began for affected cattle and surrounding herds.
Suspected cases have also been reported in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza, and Kalkfontein. Blood samples from these areas have been collected, and vaccination programs are being rolled out with immediate effect.
“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,” Premier Winde said.
FMD is a controlled disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing painful sores around the mouth and hooves.
The disease does not affect humans but spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals or via vehicles, equipment, clothing, and feed. Farmers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity practices and report any suspicion of FMD to their nearest state veterinarian.
The Western Cape government has committed R100 million to combat the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, implementing a 21-point plan to protect livestock and ensure the stability of a vital agricultural sector.
IOL News