Western Cape farms quarantined due to suspected Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has placed multiple farms under quarantine following the discovery of suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) lesions in cattle transported from the province to the Free State.

On November 1, 2025, a Free State farmer reported signs of the highly contagious disease in cattle recently brought in 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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