The Western Cape government has called on national Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to enforce a temporary ban on livestock movement into the province to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Premier Alan Winde has directed Agriculture and Economic Development MEC Dr Ivan Meyer to urgently request the ban. "Biosecurity is a major risk to our agricultural sector and economy," said Meyer, who joined state veterinarians in Beaufort West to inspect livestock transport vehicles.

"The initiative demonstrates support for our state vets and the red meat industry in their efforts to curb the spread of FMD to the Western Cape," Meyer added. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and biosecurity measures among livestock owners to protect the province's cattle industry and agricultural economy.

The red meat industry is a significant contributor to South Africa's economy, generating over R70 billion annually and employing more than 600,000 people. In 2023, South Africa exported R4.7 billion worth of red meat globally, with the Western Cape accounting for 14% of this total.

Given the severity of the FMD threat, Meyer announced plans to write to Eastern Cape MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, urging the continued enforcement of biosecurity measures outlined in Government Gazette notice 47263 from October 2022. "We must collaborate to ensure biosecurity measures regarding cattle, sheep, and goat movement are strictly enforced, protecting the livelihoods of farmers and workers," he said.

Premier Winde, following a Western Cape Cabinet discussion, reiterated the urgency of the temporary livestock movement ban request to Minister Steenhuisen. He also asked Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku to provide additional support to agricultural operations.

"Our state veterinarians, supported by Western Cape Traffic Services officials, will check livestock consignments for correct documentation, including information on the origin, health status, and destination of animals," Meyer said. The Western Cape government will continue to monitor the situation and implement further measures if necessary to prevent the disease's spread.

For more information and document examples, visit the Western Cape Veterinary Services website.