The Western Cape has received an additional 100,000 doses of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, boosting the province’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
The doses will be distributed across the West Coast, Cape Winelands and Garden Route districts, coordinated through a provincial “war room” that meets regularly.
Authorities have already vaccinated 48,612 animals, established 276 vaccination sites and enlisted 29 private veterinarians to assist state veterinarians. The province has now received a total of 162,120 vaccine doses.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, described the arrival of the new vaccines as a major step forward in protecting livestock and supporting farmers.
“I want to echo the Premier’s gratitude to every role player who has worked tirelessly to bring this outbreak under control. The arrival of the additional 100,000 vaccine doses marks a significant turning point. It means we can now accelerate vaccinations across the province, ensuring that we protect our livestock, support our farmers and strengthen this vital sector of our economy,” Meyer said.
Premier Alan Winde also highlighted the importance of joint operations with municipalities and other stakeholders to safeguard the province’s agricultural sector and livelihoods.
“We will continue to intensify the response plan to protect this critical sector of our economy. I personally chair a weekly joint operations meeting with all stakeholders, including municipalities, to ensure that everything possible is being done to manage this crisis. In everything we do, we aim to protect growth, livelihoods and jobs,” Winde said.
In the Garden Route District, six confirmed FMD cases have been recorded, while six suspected cases are awaiting test results. Spokesperson Herman Pieters said the province is monitoring the situation closely.
“Twelve tests have returned negative in recent days, and we are still awaiting an official response from the South African National Defence Force regarding our request for assistance at vehicle control points,” Pieters said.
Authorities continue to enforce movement controls, surveillance and traceability measures, while maintaining checkpoints along major highways linking the Western Cape to neighbouring provinces.
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