The Western Cape’s aggressive strategy against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has achieved a significant milestone, with 82% of the provincial herd now vaccinated. Following a recent meeting of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s FMD War Room, Dr Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, provided a comprehensive update on the region’s ongoing containment efforts.
“The Western Cape’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease demonstrates what can be achieved when government, farmers, private veterinarians, industry stakeholders, and communities work together,” stated Minister Meyer. “While challenges remain, we have made substantial progress in containing the disease and protecting one of the province’s most important agricultural sectors.”
Outbreak Origins and Current Case Status
The provincial outbreak began on 3 November 2025, when the first case was confirmed on a property near Gouda in the Cape Winelands District, affecting 679 cattle and 1,597 sheep. The Department immediately deployed a strategic 21-Point Plan to curb further transmission.
As of 15 August 2026, veterinary teams have investigated 69 suspected cases across the province:
- Active Outbreaks: 28 confirmed active cases under management.
- Resolved Outbreaks: 11 outbreaks successfully resolved.
- Cleared Cases: 14 suspected cases ruled out via laboratory testing.
- Pending Tests: 16 cases currently awaiting lab results.
“Every suspected case is treated with urgency,” emphasized Minister Meyer, noting that rigorous tracing and monitoring remain central to safeguarding the broader agricultural economy.
Mass Vaccination Drive Reaches Milestone
At the centre of the containment strategy is an extensive vaccination campaign supported by national resources. The province received over 597,000 doses of the FMD vaccine from the national Department of Agriculture, with approximately 480,000 doses already administered.
Vaccination efforts across all districts have yielded significant coverage:
- Primary Vaccinations: 382,209 animals completed (82% of the provincial herd).
- Booster Doses: 97,560 booster shots administered.
- Total Animals Reached: 479,769 commercial and subsistence livestock vaccinated.
Strengthening Capacity and Traceability
To enforce movement controls, quarantine measures, and enhanced surveillance, the province established a dedicated FMD War Room. The operational response is backed by a R152 million budget and a specialized workforce of 103 veterinary professionals and officials.
Long-term biosecurity is further supported by the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), which plays a vital role in tracking animal movements and responding swiftly to potential exposure.
Minister Meyer expressed gratitude to farmers, veterinary staff, organized agriculture, and municipal partners for their transparency and cooperation throughout the crisis. Protecting animal health, he noted, remains directly tied to protecting jobs, food security, and economic stability across the Western Cape.