Authorities investigate suspected foot-and-mouth disease in Western Cape cattle
Western Cape farms placed under quarantine amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease fears.
Image: File
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has quarantined several farms after suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) lesions were found in cattle transported from the province to the Free State.
On November 1, a farmer in the Free State reported signs of this highly contagious disease in cattle that had recently arrived from the Gouda area of the Western Cape.
“Western Cape Veterinary Services placed the property in Gouda under quarantine,” the department confirmed.
During inspections, state veterinarians “observed suspected lesions in the animals’ mouths,” and samples were collected for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out the presence of FMD.
Two additional farms, located in Velddrif and Bredasdorp, from which cattle had been moved on 30 October, have also been placed under quarantine.
“These properties will be inspected,” the department said, adding that the origin of the potentially infected cattle is still being verified.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the transport company responsible for moving the animals.
“All properties linked to this company over the past 30 days will be contacted and inspected,” the department said.
FMD is classified as a controlled animal disease in South Africa, and any suspicion must be reported immediately to a state veterinarian.
While the disease “does not affect humans,” it spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, causing painful sores in the mouth and on the feet.
To contain the potential spread, the department urged strict farm-level precautions.
“Farm biosecurity measures must be implemented and maintained,” it said, emphasising that all livestock movements must be accompanied by health declarations and that animals be kept in isolation at the destination for 28 days.
The Western Cape government has also called for greater compliance with livestock movement reporting requirements.
“All movements of livestock into and within the Western Cape must be reported via the online form,” the department reminded farmers.
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