Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called for tighter regulation of livestock movement permits and the temporary suspension of physical auctions as the province intensifies efforts to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The appeal comes as 450 heads of cattle were vaccinated against FMD in Fisantekraal, Cape Town, on Sunday as part of a province-wide vaccination campaign.
The Western Cape provincial government has embarked on a massive drive to vaccinate high-risk herds across the province.
The vaccination drive in Fisantekraal was overseen by Winde, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen; Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, and Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.
“This vaccination drive is a proactive step to protect cattle in this area. No cases of FMD have been detected in this Fisantekraal herd, but we are taking every precaution because we want to protect jobs and livelihoods,” Winde said.
The Premier confirmed that the province expects to receive 200 000 vaccine doses in the coming weeks and will prioritise vaccinating all high-risk herds. Vaccinated animals have been tagged to ensure proper identification, surveillance and monitoring.
In terms of the Animal Diseases Act, Winde has formally requested that the national Department of Agriculture move all physical livestock auctions online for 21 days and implement stricter permit control regulations governing livestock movement.
Winde, along with MECs Meyer and Bredell, was expected to meet with Steenhuisen to receive an update on the request.
21-point response plan
The vaccination campaign forms part of a broader 21-point response plan implemented by the Western Cape government in partnership with the agricultural sector to contain the national FMD outbreak within the province.
Key measures include:
• Movement control, including 24/7 border monitoring.
• Monitoring, surveillance, and traceability, through on-the-ground rapid response from veterinary services.
• Protocols such as communication, by-law enforcement, and contingency plans.
• Recovery involving cleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas.
• Major roadblocks and vehicle monitoring are taking place on various roads across 13 municipalities, including at the provincial borders.
“This is part of a national crisis. We are working tirelessly to protect jobs and the agricultural economy. If you are transporting livestock or any materials used in livestock farming, you must take every precaution,” Winde said.
Steenhuisen described FMD as a national emergency, noting that government is fighting to save the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and the future of our agricultural exports.
“We need every single livestock owner to stand with us. Biosecurity is not a suggestion; it is our only line of defence. If you move animals without permits or ignore basic hygiene, you are putting the entire country at risk,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister urged farmers and livestock owners to stop illegal movements, report suspected cases immediately and treat their farm boundaries like fortress.
To protect livestock and the economy, livestock farmers and the public are strongly urged to adhere to these simple rules:
• Stop all illegal movements. Never move cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs without a signed health certificate and valid permits.
• Limit visitors to your farm. Anyone entering must use disinfectant footbaths and vehicle sprays to ensure they are not carrying the virus on their shoes or tyres.
• If you buy new stock, keep them completely separate from your main herd for at least 28 days to ensure they are not carrying hidden diseases.
• If you see animals drooling, limping, or showing sores on their mouths or feet, call your local state veterinarian immediately. Do not wait.
• Ensure fences are in good repair to prevent your animals from mixing with roaming herds or wildlife.
National vaccination drive
In his State of the Nation Address on 12 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government aims to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd of at least 14 million cattle as the country battles one of the most severe FMD outbreaks in its history.
According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the vaccination drive requires 28 million vaccines over the next 12 months. – SAnews.gov.za
