Western Cape Confirms Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Contained

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture reports that swift action by veterinary authorities, in collaboration with industry partners and law enforcement, has kept the recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak confined to the index property in Gouda. No evidence of further spread has been detected.

The affected farm remains under strict quarantine. All cattle have been vaccinated, tagged, and branded in line with the Animal Diseases Act, 1984. Clinical inspections and laboratory tests indicate no new cases since 14 November 2025, showing the outbreak is under control.

Surrounding farms in Velddrif and Bredasdorp were inspected. No clinical signs were found, with laboratory results from Velddrif returning negative. Samples from Bredasdorp are pending. All properties within a 10 km radius of the Gouda farm are under monitored quarantine. Three farms displayed suspicious lesions, but tests confirmed they were negative.

Veterinary teams are tracing all farms linked to the implicated transport company over the past 30 days. Enforcement operations remain active to ensure compliance with biosecurity protocols. Containment zones, vaccination, and quarantine measures will be applied immediately should any additional cases arise.

Minister Ivan Meyer praised the rapid response and coordination between veterinary services, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders. He reassured farmers that the outbreak is under control and emphasized accountability for those who do not comply with regulations.

While the Western Cape outbreak remains contained, the Free State has confirmed 106 FMD cases across seven local municipalities, highlighting the ongoing risk to South Africa’s livestock sector.

Farmers are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious cases promptly, and comply fully with biosecurity measures to protect animal health and safeguard the agricultural economy.