Urgent veterinary quarantine in Drakenstein due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

Drakenstein Municipality has been placed under veterinary quarantine following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the area.

According to the municipality, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian (Boland) issued a formal quarantine order in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) and the Animal Diseases Regulations.

The municipality said the quarantine took effect immediately and applies to all cloven-hoofed animals within its jurisdiction, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. As a precautionary measure, these animals are regarded as potentially infected.

"Therefore, movement of animals or potentially contaminated materials (including feed, equipment or carcasses) is strictly prohibited unless authorised by a special permit issued by the State Veterinarian," the municipality stated.

The disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals. It does not infect humans, horses or domestic pets, and poses no public health or food safety risk.

Drakenstein Municipality’s Safety and Community Services department is cooperating with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and other relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of control measures.

Executive mayor, Stephen Korabie, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said the municipality is working closely with veterinary authorities.

“We understand the seriousness of the matter and will be supporting our farmers and agricultural sector as best we can. The municipality has also been assisting farmers by providing water for their animals every day,” he said.

The municipality previously confirmed that the positive FMD case was detected in Vlakkeland, Paarl, on Friday, February 6.

Residents, farmers and livestock owners have been encouraged to comply with all biosecurity measures, avoid unnecessary movement of animals, and follow guidance issued by State Veterinary authorities.

The quarantine will remain in place until it is officially lifted.

The Western Cape Government also welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address that FMD has been classified as a national disaster

“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 Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism.

He previously said a 21-point response plan was being implemented in the province. This includes movement control, surveillance and traceability, enforcement of by-laws, and recovery measures such as cleaning and monitoring of quarantine zones.

Find Bolander on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza.