The Western Cape has quarantined several farms after a Free State producer reported suspected lesions in cattle transported from Gouda on 1 November. Soon after, state veterinarians inspected the Gouda herd, noted mouth lesions and collected samples for confirmation. Consequently, authorities say the precaution aims to contain any potential outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease while tests continue.
Where Quarantines Apply
Alongside the source farm in Gouda, officials placed two more properties — in Velddrif and Bredasdorp — under quarantine. This followed cattle movements from those sites on 30 October. In the meantime, teams will inspect the properties, monitor animals and maintain control measures pending laboratory results related to the suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Tracing Movement Controls
Investigators are probing the transport company involved. In addition, they will contact and inspect all properties linked to it over the past 30 days. To strengthen oversight, the department reminds producers to report every livestock movement into and within the province via the online form. Moreover, cloven-hoofed animals must travel with a signed health declaration, and farmers should continue to isolate them for 28 days after arrival to mitigate any risk of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks.
What Farmers Should Do Now
Act on farm biosecurity immediately: limit visitors and shared equipment, isolate new or returning animals, disinfect handling areas and keep movement records up to date. Importantly, foot-and-mouth disease spreads easily among cloven-hoofed animals but does not affect humans. Therefore, report any suspicious signs to a state veterinarian at once to prevent a disease outbreak.
Why it Matters
A confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would disrupt auctions, abattoir schedules and cross-provincial trade. As a result, rapid quarantine, lab testing and movement tracing aim to protect herd health and reduce economic fallout. Ultimately, these measures are crucial across the Western Cape’s livestock sector while the investigation runs its course.
