Western Cape intensifies foot and mouth disease containment measures


The Western Cape Government has intensified efforts to contain an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

The disease was first detected on a farm near in Gouda on the Cape Winelands in November last year.

Authorities have confirmed that the disease remains contained, with strict quarantine measures in place for affected farms and surrounding areas.

Veterinary teams are conducting inspections, tracing animal movements and enforcing biosecurity controls.

Officials say FMD poses no risk to humans but is highly contagious among livestock, threatening jobs and the agricultural economy.

Last month, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said he would approach national government to have the disease declared a state of disaster.