Western Cape, South Africa steps up FMD vaccination efforts

The Western Cape has strengthened its response to foot-and-mouth disease with the arrival of an additional 8,000 vaccine doses, bringing total supplies in the province to more than 170,000. The Provincial authorities reported that over 121,000 doses have already been administered across hundreds of vaccination sites, supported by private veterinary practitioners, as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.

However, Provincial authorities are still seeking to enhance their response by procuring additional vaccines and implementing a permit system to better manage livestock movement. While the outbreak is currently under control, officials stress the need for continued vigilance to protect both the livestock sector and the wider economy.

Movement control remains a key focus, with monitoring systems being reinforced and checkpoint operations set to intensify during peak periods to ensure compliance with veterinary protocols. Stakeholders across government and industry are continuing to collaborate to limit the spread of the disease and safeguard rural livelihoods.