Western Cape Strengthens FMD Response as Farmers, Veterinarians And Government Work Together To Expand Vaccination Efforts

The Western Cape Government continues to strengthen its response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), farmers, private veterinarians and Veterinary Services Programme, working together to protect livestock, livelihoods and the agricultural economy.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, recently visited a feedlot near Durbanville, Cape Town, where a private vaccination programme is being implemented as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard livestock against the spread of FMD.

“We operate a 5,000-head feedlot just outside Durbanville and were among the first feedlots to proactively vaccinate 100% of our cattle against FMD. Thanks to our strong relationship with State Veterinary Services, we have also been able to continue vaccinating newly introduced animals on a weekly basis. Vaccination remains a key component of our biosecurity measures, and we continue this work on a weekly basis,” said Dr Cilliers Louw,  Private Veterinarian responsible for the herd health programme.

The visit provided an opportunity to observe vaccination activities firsthand and engage with the farmer and private veterinarian responsible for the programme.

Minister Meyer welcomed the collaborative approach being taken by the agricultural sector to support disease-control efforts.

“Containing Foot-and-Mouth Disease requires a collective effort. Government, farmers, veterinarians and industry stakeholders all have a role to play in protecting our livestock industry and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the Western Cape,” said Minister Meyer.

The visit comes at a time when vaccination remains a key component of broader disease-management efforts, alongside strict biosecurity measures, movement controls and the early reporting of suspected cases.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has significantly expanded its capacity to support livestock owners during the outbreak.

“We have created the capacity to support livestock owners across the province. Whether you are a commercial producer, a smallholder farmer or a communal livestock owner, our message remains the same: if you call on us, we will come to you,” said Minister Meyer.

The Minister emphasised that farmers now have a range of options available to them.

“Some farmers may choose to work through private veterinarians, while others may require support from the Department. What is important is that livestock owners take proactive steps to protect their animals and work with veterinary professionals to ensure compliance with all disease-control requirements.”

The Department continues to provide support through its network of veterinarians, animal health technicians and extension officials across the province.

Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of Department, WCDoA said the Western Cape’s response is built on partnership and accessibility. “Our approach is simple: anyone can come to us. Whether you are a commercial farmer with a large herd or a smallscale producer with a few animals, the Department remains available to provide guidance, technical support and assistance. We have built the systems, expertise and capacity required to support the sector during this outbreak.”

The department continues to monitor and respond to suspected FMD cases across the province, including a recently reported suspected case in the Stellenbosch area, which remains under investigation. While disease-control measures have been activated as a precautionary measure, the Department is encouraged by the progress made through the provincial vaccination campaign and the continued cooperation of livestock owners.

To date, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has vaccinated 328 876 livestock and remains on track with its vaccination programme. The department has also strengthened its response capacity through the appointment of additional Animal Health Technicians and the deployment of veterinary teams across the province. Livestock owners are encouraged to make use of the Department’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Dashboard, available on the Department’s website, for the latest information on vaccination progress, disease-control measures and outbreak updates.

The department is encouraging livestock owners to remain vigilant, maintain strict biosecurity measures, participate in vaccination programmes where appropriate and report any suspicious symptoms immediately.

Vaccination, together with strict biosecurity measures, responsible livestock movement and the early reporting of suspected cases, remains critical to preventing the spread of FMD and protecting jobs, food security and market access within the Western Cape.