The Western Cape’s response to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is gaining momentum, with provincial authorities and industry stakeholders pointing to strong coordination, early planning, and rapid vaccine deployment as key to containing the disease.
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According to feedback from a recent provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting, nearly 48 000 animals had been vaccinated by early March, which to date has increased to 110 000. The province initially received 60 000 vaccine doses, with a further 100 000 expected to bolster the campaign. Vaccinations have been prioritised in identified hotspot areas.
A total of 29 private veterinarians are assisting the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s veterinary services, significantly expanding the province’s capacity to respond quickly.
Hotspots contained through targeted action
In the George area, six farms have tested positive for FMD, with five more awaiting results. Veterinary teams have visited 114 farms, vaccinating 13 000 animals on 81 of them.
On the West Coast, one confirmed case in Kalbaskraal, and a further two suspected cases triggered the establishment of a quarantine zone. About 17 000 animals across 14 farms have already been vaccinated, supported by nine checkpoints to enforce movement restrictions.
Elsewhere, vaccination campaigns are progressing steadily. In Cape Town and Philippi, cattle and goats potentially exposed to infected animals have been vaccinated, while in the Cape Winelands, areas such as Stellenbosch have already been covered, with work continuing in Klapmuts. The Overberg and Central Karoo remain free of confirmed or suspected cases, with efforts focused on awareness and preparedness.
Early planning and partnerships are key
Mogale Sebopetsa, the head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, attributed the province’s relatively efficient response to early preparation and strong collaboration with industry.
“All vaccines enter the country and are allocated to provinces at the same time,” he said. “The Western Cape planned early, pre-positioned logistics and response teams, and worked closely with industry partners. Roll-out commences immediately as soon as vaccines became available, he told Farmer’s Weekly.
He explained that the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, together with industry partners, had initiated awareness campaigns and intensified surveillance following national outbreaks and implemented quarantine measures, movement controls, and traceability systems, supported by existing response plans, as soon as cases were confirmed in the province. “Existing response plans enabled proactive coordination and execution.”
Strict movement
To address one of the biggest challenges in managing FMD outbreaks, namely movement control, the province activated both provincial and district JOCs. These bring together traffic authorities, the South African Police Service, municipalities, and industry bodies to monitor and enforce compliance.
In addition, FMD checkpoints have been established in affected areas to limit the movement of livestock and reduce the risk of further spread in the province.
Communication and farmer buy-in critical
Sebopetsa emphasised that communication and government, farmer, auctioneer, feedlot, and livestock transporter cooperation have been central to the province’s progress. Authorities have used multiple channels, including radio, WhatsApp groups, extension officers, and a dedicated hotline (080 928 4102), to keep farmers informed.
A ‘war room’ structure, involving government and industry stakeholders, has also helped align responses and ensure consistent messaging.
Particular attention has been given to engaging small-scale and subsistence farmers through direct outreach and face-to-face communication.
“Trust-building proved essential,” Sebopetsa said, noting that compliance improved once farmers understood that control measures were aimed at protecting their livelihoods.
Lessons for other provinces
Sebopetsa said the Western Cape’s experience highlights several key lessons for managing outbreaks – act early, enforce movement controls, maintain active surveillance, and treat farmers as partners in disease control.
“Strong systems without farmer cooperation will not succeed, and willing farmers without functional systems will struggle,” he says.
While challenges remain, particularly South Africa’s reliance on imported vaccines he expressed confidence that the province’s structured approach, backed by its 21-point plan, would help contain the outbreak.
He urged all livestock owners to “play their role” and maintain strict biosecurity measures to protect the province’s agricultural sector.
