The Western Cape said its efforts to intensify vaccination resulted in a month without any new cases of the Foot and Mouth Disease.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the provincial MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed the signs of stabilisation in the national Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the province.
“The most recent case of Foot and Mouth Disease was identified on March 22, 2026, in Prospect Hill in the City of Cape Town. Since then, no new confirmed cases have been detected, marking one month without a new case in the province,” Winde said.
Meyer highlighted that vaccination remains the cornerstone of the province’s disease control strategy.
“Foot and Mouth Disease presents a serious and ongoing threat to our livestock industry, food security, and rural livelihoods. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of the Western Cape’s disease control strategy, as clearly articulated in our 21-point plan.
“The Western Cape will continue to actively engage with the national Department of Agriculture to ensure the province receives its fair share of vaccines, so that we can act decisively to protect our farmers and the wider agricultural economy,” he said.
A total of 161, 713 vaccine doses have been administered at 730 sites, representing 35% coverage across the province. This includes 7,925 booster doses.
Vaccination coverage is currently highest along the West Coast, with 63% and the City of Cape Town with 56%, followed by the Cape Winelands with 35% and the Garden Route with 31%.
No vaccinations have been required in the Central Karoo and Overberg districts, where no confirmed outbreaks have been recorded.
To strengthen immunity and close remaining gaps, an additional 50,000 doses of the Bioaftogen vaccine are being deployed to priority areas. This phase will focus on booster vaccinations, revaccination of previously affected farms, beef herds within a 10 km radius of infected farms, and communal and peri-urban cattle in affected municipalities.
Premier Winde noted that enhanced surveillance, strict movement control, permit enforcement, and traceability measures remain in place to limit the risk of further spread.
He called on livestock owners to play their part in protecting the province’s agricultural sector.
“Farmers and livestock owners are critical partners in this effort. We urge them to maintain strict on-farm biosecurity, comply with movement control regulations, report any suspected cases immediately, and cooperate fully with vaccination teams,” Winde said.
“The absence of new cases since March 22, combined with our expanding vaccination and surveillance programme, shows that our control measures are working. However, the risk remains, and we must not become complacent,” Winde added.
The Western Cape Government said it remains committed to protecting animal health, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring the stability of the province’s agricultural economy.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting clover-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs. While it does not pose a threat to human health, it causes severe production losses and can result in strict international trade bans on livestock products.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za