The Western Cape Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address that Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD) has been classified as a national disaster, enabling a strengthened, coordinated national effort to combat one of the most severe livestock disease outbreaks in years.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, commended the President for recognising the devastating economic and agricultural impacts of the ongoing FMD outbreak, including herd losses, export restrictions, and pressure on livestock farmers.
“South Africa has been battling FMD since 2019, and experience has shown that a centralised, one-size-fits-all model slows down disease response. Allowing provinces to procure vaccines—supported by national guidelines—will improve response times, strengthen accountability, and drive innovation through local partnerships,” said Minister Meyer.
Dr Meyer further highlighted the Western Cape’s preparedness through its 21‑Point FMD Response Plan, which has already guided containment efforts, enabling the province to:
- Successfully resolve the initial Gouda outbreak
- Implement virtual livestock auctions to reduce animal movement
- Strengthen biosecurity measures at farms and auction sites
- Improve surveillance, testing, and early‑warning systems
- He reiterated the need for rapid declaration of disease management areas during outbreaks to minimise spread, protect farming communities, and reduce market disruption.
Vaccinations have already begun, with a further tranche set to commence this weekend in various parts of the province.
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, also welcomed the national disaster classification of FMD, calling it an essential tool to safeguard the Western Cape’s livestock sector, valued at R13.5 billion, and the thousands of jobs it supports.
“The classification of Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease as a national disaster is a necessary and decisive step to protect our agricultural economy. In the Western Cape, our priority is to use the provisions of this legislation to safeguard our R13.5 billion livestock sector and the thousands of jobs it supports,” Minister Bredell said.
He added that the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre is leading a coordinated joint operation with the agricultural sector, municipalities, Provincial Traffic Services, and SAPS to protect provincial borders and enforce livestock‑movement regulations.
“We are actively protecting our provincial borders and monitoring entry points for cattle. Any movement of livestock without the required permits poses a direct risk to the entire province. We will be firm and decisive in enforcing compliance,” Bredell said.
Both Ministers emphasised that combining national coordination with provincial agility and expertise is essential to protect farmers, rural jobs, and South Africa’s livestock economy.
“Every delay in FMD containment threatens farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and rural jobs. By combining national coordination with provincial readiness and expertise, we can protect the agricultural economy and rebuild confidence in our livestock industry,” said Dr Meyer.
The Western Cape Government reaffirmed its readiness to support and strengthen national interventions, contribute provincial expertise, and ensure a transparent rollout of vaccines through participation in the national FMD task team.
ENQUIRIES
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Meyer
079 990 4231
Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
079 694 3085
