The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has placed several properties under quarantine following reports of suspected Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) linked to cattle transported from the province.
On 1 November 2025, a farmer in the Free State reported possible FMD lesions in cattle that had recently been moved from the Gouda area. In response, Western Cape Veterinary Services quarantined the Gouda property and collected samples from animals showing suspected mouth lesions for laboratory testing.
Two other properties in Velddrif and Bredasdorp, which received cattle on 30 October, have also been placed under quarantine and will undergo inspection. Officials are verifying the origin of the potentially infected cattle and investigating the transport company involved. All farms connected to that company over the past 30 days will be contacted and checked.
FMD is a controlled animal disease in South Africa and must be reported immediately to a state veterinarian. It spreads quickly through contact between infected animals or contaminated materials such as vehicles, feed, and clothing. While the disease does not affect humans, it causes painful sores in cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Authorities are urging farmers to maintain strict biosecurity measures and ensure that all cloven-hoofed animals are moved with valid health declarations and kept in isolation for at least 28 days upon arrival.
All livestock movements into and within the Western Cape must be reported via the province’s online Animal Movement App at https://tinyurl.com/AnimalMovementApp.
Information packs for farmers, auctioneers, and livestock transporters are available at https://www.elsenburg.com/western-cape/infopaks/.
Further details on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and contact information for veterinary offices can be found at https://www.elsenburg.com/western-cape/frequently-asked-questions/faq-foot-and-mouth-disease/.