By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Western Cape provincial government has set aside R100 million to combat foot-and mouth (FMD) disease following local outbreaks.
The funds have been made available to procure vaccines for FMD in the province.
FMD was confirmed on the morning of Friday, 6 February 2026. Suspected cases have been reported and inspected in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza, and Kalkfontein.
On Sunday, 8 February 2026, Premier Alan Winde, and provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, provided an update on the coordinated efforts to address the national Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak in the Western Cape.
“We are acting swiftly with all stakeholders to get ahead of this outbreak. The Western Cape Government will set aside R100 million to procure enough vaccine doses to protect livestock,” stressed Winde.
“The Western Cape Government is taking the necessary action to slow the spread of FMD and vaccinate herds. Our focus is on protecting a critical multi-billion Rand industry which employs 50,000 residents,” said Winde.
The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre has also tabled a 21-point plan to ensure that the spread of the disease is brought under control.
The plan includes:
- Movement control, including 24/7 border controls and a permit system.
- 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.
“We are awaiting confirmation from national Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, to implement a border permit system and procure vaccines as a provincial government, added Winde.”
FMD is a controlled disease, and any suspicion of the disease must be reported immediately to the nearest state veterinarian. The disease is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected animals, as well as via vehicles, equipment, clothing and feed.
Farmers are therefore urged to purchase animals only from trusted sources, restrict access to their animals, and clean and disinfect any equipment, vehicles, footwear and clothing that may have had contact with other livestock — in line with good biosecurity practices.