The Western Cape has received more than 597,000 doses of FMD vaccine from the national Department of Agriculture. Of these, approximately 480,000 vaccine doses have already been administered across the province. Vaccination efforts have reached all districts, with more than 382,209 primary vaccinations completed, representing 82% of the provincial herd. A further 97,560 booster vaccinations have been administered. In total, 479,769 animals, including commercial and subsistence livestock, have been vaccinated.
Following a meeting of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s FMD War Room yesterday, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, provided an update on the province’s response to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
“The Western Cape’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease demonstrates what can be achieved when government, farmers, private veterinarians, industry stakeholders and communities work together. While challenges remain, we have made substantial progress in containing the disease and protecting one of the province’s most important agricultural sectors,” said Minister Meyer.
The first FMD outbreak in the Western Cape was confirmed on 3 November 2025 on a farm near Gouda in the Cape Winelands District. The affected farm had 679 cattle and 1,597 sheep. Since then, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has implemented an aggressive containment and response strategy based on a comprehensive 21-Point Plan.
As of 15 August 2026, the province had investigated 69 suspected cases. Of these, 28 are confirmed active outbreaks, 11 outbreaks have been successfully resolved, 14 cases were ruled out following investigation and laboratory testing, and 16 cases are awaiting laboratory results.
“Every suspected case is treated with urgency. Our veterinary teams continue to investigate, monitor and trace potential infections to prevent further spread and to safeguard our farmers and the broader agricultural economy,” Minister Meyer said.
A key pillar of the provincial response has been an extensive vaccination programme.
The province has also strengthened its disease response capacity through the establishment of an innovative FMD War Room, enhanced surveillance, movement controls, quarantine measures, traceability programmes and public awareness campaigns. These interventions are supported by a veterinary services workforce of 103 professionals and officials, backed by a budget of R152 million.
Minister Meyer said the successful response has been underpinned by transparency, cooperation and evidence-based decision-making.
“The Western Cape’s 21-Point Plan, combined with the work of the FMD War Room, has enabled early coordination, rapid response and targeted vaccination. The trust built between government and stakeholders has strengthened our ability to manage the outbreak effectively.”
The Department continues to advance livestock traceability through the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), which remains a critical tool in disease management, animal movement control and outbreak response.
Minister Meyer thanked farmers, veterinary professionals, organised agriculture, industry partners, municipalities and officials for their continued cooperation.
“Protecting animal health is critical to protecting jobs, food security and economic growth in the Western Cape. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease and ensure the long-term resilience of our agricultural sector.”
Voiceclips:
Min Meyer F&MD Afrikaans
Min Meyer F&MD English
Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Media Liaison Officer to Provincial Minister Ivan Meyer
079 990 4231
