Agri WC calls for strict measures in George quarantine area after FMD outbreak

Agri Western Cape is calling for strict control measures in the George quarantine area following the latest foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case.

The outbreak was detected on a small beef farm near George, within the existing 10-kilometre quarantine zone.

The organisation said lab tests confirmed the case after lesions were identified during inspections.

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A small beef farm within the Groot Brak quarantine zone is the latest to be affected by the FMD outbreak.

This follows a 39-day period without any new cases, as reported by the provincial government at the end of April.

Agri Western Cape said lesions were detected during routine inspection and vaccination operations, with samples subsequently collected for testing.

The organisation has confirmed the positive case, identified on Thursday last week, despite most farms in the region already being vaccinated.

It has stressed the need for strict control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

Producers are being urged to maintain high levels of biosecurity while the virus remains active in the area.

Agri Western Cape added that the remaining farms will be vaccinated as the weather permits.