Over 40,000 Livestock Vaccinated As Western Cape Intensifies Fight Against Foot-And-Mouth Disease

Authorities in the Western Cape have vaccinated more than 40,000 livestock as part of an ongoing campaign to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease following an outbreak earlier this year.

The vaccination drive began after the disease was detected in February, prompting provincial authorities to coordinate a wide-scale response aimed at protecting farms and limiting transmission.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde received a progress briefing this week on the province’s efforts to manage the outbreak and safeguard the livestock sector.

Foot-And-Mouth Disease Outbreak Areas Across The Western Cape

Several areas in the province have been affected by the outbreak, including Mossel Bay, George and Gouda.

Meanwhile, suspected cases have been reported in Mfuleni, Makhaza, Kalkfontein, Velddrif and Bredasdorp.

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According to Winde, additional vaccine doses are being dispatched to the province while private veterinary support has also been mobilised to speed up the immunisation campaign.

“To date, we’ve already delivered 41,019 vaccines in doses. They’ve been administered across dairies and to small-scale farmers at 239 vaccination sites across the province,” Winde said.

Livestock Vaccination Drive Expanded With Private Veterinarians And Roadblock Measures

The provincial government has expanded its response by bringing in nearly 30 private veterinarians to assist with vaccinations across affected regions.

Authorities are also preparing awareness signboards to inform farmers and members of the public about the disease and the steps required to prevent its spread.

“We are making sure that we are managing this from a roadblock point of view, with signage at entry points to the province. We really do treat this issue seriously,” he noted.

Officials say the vaccination campaign forms part of a broader strategy to contain the outbreak and protect the agricultural sector.

Western Cape Targets Herd Immunity By December

The provincial government is aiming to achieve herd immunity among livestock before the end of the year as part of its containment strategy.

Winde confirmed that the Western Cape hopes to reach this milestone by December.