In a high-stakes race to wall off the Western Cape’s R13.5 billion livestock industry from the national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis, provincial and national leaders—including Premier Alan Winde, national Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, provincial Agriculture Minister Dr. Ivan Meyer, and Local Government Minister Anton Bredell—oversaw the vaccination of 450 cattle in Fisantekraal yesterday, 15 February.
While no cases of FMD have been detected in the Fisantekraal herd to date, the Western Cape Government (WCG) is treating the area as a strategic frontline. The drive signals the start of a massive provincial campaign to immunize the entire provincial herd and secure the livelihoods of over 50,000 workers.
Proactive Defense: 200,000 Doses to Shield High-Risk Herds
Premier Winde confirmed that the province is expecting a delivery of 200,000 vaccine doses in the coming weeks. Each animal vaccinated in Fisantekraal has been tagged for optimal identification, surveillance, and monitoring.
“This is a proactive step,” Winde stated. “We are taking every precaution because we want to protect jobs and livelihoods.” In a move to increase provincial autonomy, the Premier also announced that the Western Cape will seek permission to procure its own vaccine stocks directly.
Push for 21-Day Online Auction Mandate
Beyond vaccination, the WCG is moving to tighten movement controls. Premier Winde has formally requested the national Department of Agriculture, under the Animal Diseases Act, to:
- Move all physical auctions online for 21 days.
- Issue permit control regulations for all livestock movement.
Premier Winde, Minister Meyer, and Minister Bredell are scheduled to meet with Minister Steenhuisen today, 16 February, to receive an update on these emergency requests.
Protecting a R13.5 Billion Industry
Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that because FMD is a national disaster, the province is deploying a full-scale response.
“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture, through our Veterinary Service, will do everything possible to prevent its spread,” Minister Meyer said. “We do this to protect the Western Cape’s R13.5 billion livestock industry and 50,000 jobs.” He further reassured the public that the virus is not transferable to humans and that meat products remain safe for consumption.
The 21-Point Response Plan: A Fortress Approach
The Fisantekraal initiative is a core component of a broader 21-point response plan. This strategy, currently being deployed across 13 municipalities, includes:
Movement Control: 24/7 border monitoring and major roadblocks.
Rapid Response: On-the-ground veterinary surveillance and traceability.
Protocols: Standardized communication, by-law enforcement, and contingency plans.
Recovery: Intensive cleaning operations and monitoring of quarantine areas.
A “National Emergency”: Biosecurity as the Only Line of Defense
National Minister John Steenhuisen described the outbreak as a national emergency that requires “fortress-level” biosecurity.
“Biosecurity is not a suggestion—it is our only line of defense,” said Steenhuisen. “If you move animals without permits or ignore basic hygiene, you are putting the entire country at risk.”
Critical Directives for Livestock Owners
Authorities have urged farmers and the public to adhere to these non-negotiable rules:
Stop all illegal movements: No transport of cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs without signed health certificates and valid permits.
Limit farm visitors: Mandatory use of disinfectant footbaths and vehicle sprays.
Strict Quarantine: Isolate new stock for at least 28 days.
Immediate Reporting: Any signs of drooling, limping, or sores must be reported to a state veterinarian instantly.
Fence Integrity: Ensure fences are in good repair to prevent mixing with roaming herds or wildlife.
The Fisantekraal rollout marks the start of a province-wide effort to build a “firebreak” against the national disaster. By combining rapid vaccination with the proposed 21-day auction hiatus, the WCG aims to stabilize the agricultural economy. As Premier Winde concluded: “We are working tirelessly to protect jobs; every precaution must be taken.”