The recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), discovered earlier this month on a feedlot in Gouda in the Cape Winelands, is being successfully managed and contained.
According to the Western Cape Agriculture Department, the rapid and decisive action of veterinary authorities, in collaboration with industry partners and law enforcement agencies, ensured that the outbreak was contained to the index area, without any evidence of further spread.
“The affected farm in Gouda remains under strict quarantine. All livestock on the premises have been vaccinated, tagged and branded in accordance with the Animal Diseases Act 1984. Clinical inspections and laboratory testing confirm that no new clinical signs have been observed since November 14, 2025, an indication that the outbreak is under control.
“Inspections conducted on farms in Velddrif and Bredasdorp revealed no clinical signs of FMD; laboratory tests from Velddrif returned negative results, while results from Bredasdorp are pending,” the department said.
Tracking and monitoring livestock
The department said all properties within a 10km radius of the Gouda farm have been placed under controlled quarantine and samples from these farms have been submitted for testing. Three farms showed suspicious lesions, but these were all confirmed negative.
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“Veterinary teams have been monitoring farms associated with the transport company involved for the past 30 days. Enforcement operations remain active across the province to ensure full compliance with emergency biosecurity protocols. Should further cases be detected, containment zones, vaccination and quarantine measures will be implemented in accordance with national policy,” the statement said.
Minister Ivan Meyer praised the rapid response and cooperation between veterinary services, law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.
“I would like to reassure the people of the Western Cape that this outbreak is under control. Our veterinary teams have acted quickly and decisively to contain the disease, and we are confident that the measures in place are working. Responsibility is non-negotiable.
“Those who broke the law will face the consequences. Together we will protect our province’s livestock industry and preserve the integrity of our agricultural sector, which is vital to our economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Free State has surpassed the 100 mark with 106 confirmed cases of FMD, in seven local municipalities, mainly made up of farming communities.
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Staff Reporter
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