Western Cape battles new Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Paarl

A new case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been confirmed in Mbekweni, Paarl, with provincial and local officials stepping up containment measures to prevent further spread of the contagious livestock disease.

The Western Cape government confirmed that on Friday, February 6, laboratory tests verified an FMD infection on a cattle farm in the area.

The case followed a report earlier in the week by a private veterinarian in Wellington, after which samples were immediately sent to Pretoria for testing.

In response, Drakenstein Municipality and provincial officials met with local farmers and community leaders on Sunday, February 8, to provide updates on the outbreak and reassure affected communities.

Drakenstein Municipality's mayor, Stephen Korabie, said the municipality, together with provincial and national partners, was working to ensure strict containment of the affected area.

Animal movement restrictions have been implemented, while law enforcement, police, and provincial traffic officials are monitoring checkpoints and enforcing biosecurity regulations. Water has also been delivered to support affected farmers, and vaccination of infected and surrounding cattle has already begun.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde announced that the provincial government will set aside R100 million to procure vaccines and strengthen efforts to curb the outbreak.

He said 24-hour border controls have been in place since midweek, with authorities considering stricter border closures and a permit system for cross-border livestock trade.

“The Western Cape government is taking the necessary action to slow the spread of FMD and vaccinate herds. Our focus is on protecting a critical multi-billion rand industry which employs 50 000 residents,” said Premier Winde.

Provincial MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, who also visited the Mbekweni area over the weekend, said a 21-point response plan was being implemented.

This includes movement control, surveillance and traceability, enforcement of by-laws, and recovery measures such as cleaning and monitoring of quarantine zones.

While the Mbekweni case is currently under investigation to determine the extent of the outbreak, suspected cases have also been reported in George, Mossel Bay, Mfuleni, Makhaza and Kalkfontein.

Veterinary teams have inspected these sites, collected blood samples, and commenced vaccination where necessary, according to the provincial officials.

The provincial government said the previous outbreak in Gouda in November 2025 had been successfully resolved through coordinated action, including the slaughter of infected animals and thorough disinfection of the affected farm.

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, causing painful sores, but does not pose a risk to humans.

Any suspected cases must be reported immediately to state veterinary services, while all livestock movements within and into the Western Cape must be recorded via the province’s online reporting system.

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