The Western Cape Government has set aside R100 million to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and protect the province’s livestock industry.
Premier Alan Winde and the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, provided an update on Sunday.
“We are acting swiftly with all stakeholders to get ahead of this outbreak. The Western Cape Government has set aside R100 million to procure sufficient vaccine doses to protect livestock,” Winde said.
Since Wednesday, 24-hour border controls have been implemented, with plans underway to introduce a permit system for cross-border trade. The movement of animals in outbreak areas is strictly prohibited. A 21-point plan is being rolled out, covering surveillance, monitoring, communication, cleaning, and recovery operations.
The latest confirmed outbreak was reported in Mbekweni, following a suspected case in Wellington.
“The Western Cape Government is taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of FMD and vaccinate herds. Our focus is on protecting a critical multi-billion-rand industry that employs 50,000 residents,” Winde added.
Farmers are urged to adhere to strict biosecurity measures, report suspected cases immediately, and only purchase animals from trusted sources. Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals but does not pose a risk to humans.
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