The Western Cape Government has tightened the screws on biosecurity measures as it moves to stamp out foot-and-mouth disease, following Cabinet’s backing of tougher surveillance, stricter livestock movement controls and ongoing quarantines.
According to the Cape Argus, officials confirmed that the outbreak, which was first detected on a farm near Gouda in November 2025, has not spread beyond the original property, offering some reassurance amid heightened alert levels.
Despite posing no risk to humans, foot-and-mouth disease remains one of the most feared animal health threats due to how quickly it spreads among cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, and the devastating knock-on effects it can have on farming livelihoods and agricultural trade.
Premier Alan Winde said the province would not ease up, stressing that firm action is essential to safeguard the agricultural sector and the jobs tied to it. He said all available measures would continue to be used to eliminate the disease and protect farmers and animals alike.
As part of the containment strategy, Cabinet has approved the continued quarantine of the Gouda farm, along with two additional properties in Velddrif and Bredasdorp that were identified through livestock movement links. Veterinary teams have also placed all farms with cloven-hoofed animals within a 10km radius under quarantine while inspections and tracing continue.
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said collaboration across government and industry was crucial to preventing wider economic fallout. He emphasised that strict biosecurity and close cooperation with farmers, veterinarians and industry stakeholders were central to keeping the outbreak under control.
Movement of livestock into and across the province is now under sharper scrutiny, with inspections being ramped up at key entry points, major roads and weighbridges. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said animal movement remains one of the biggest risks for spreading the virus and warned that there would be no tolerance for lapses.
Nationally, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has described the outbreak as the most severe the country has faced, saying tackling it requires constant effort. Speaking in Durban, he highlighted intensified vaccination programmes and disease management as vital to protecting both farmers and export markets.
However, concerns are growing about the pressure prolonged restrictions are placing on rural communities. Freedom Front Plus agriculture spokesperson Wynand Boshoff warned that ongoing controls are deepening financial strain, calling for increased flexibility from banks and stronger support for farmers battling to stay afloat.
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