Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, joined state veterinarians at the Beaufort West State Veterinarian Office to inspect vehicles transporting livestock through the local weighbridge. This initiative aimed to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to the province.
Meyer underscored the importance of biosecurity to the agricultural sector and the provincial economy. “Today’s initiative is about showing my support for the steps taken by our state vets and the red meat industry to curb the spread of FMD,” he said.
“Given the threat that FMD poses to the cattle industry, livestock owners must remain vigilant, step up their biosecurity measures, and take all possible precautions to avoid introducing the disease to our province.”
Premier Alan Winde, following a discussion in the Western Cape cabinet meeting, requested urgent action from national agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.
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“I have requested that minister Meyer urgently write to [him] requesting him to implement a temporary ban on the movement of livestock into the Western Cape. I have also asked provincial minister of mobility, Isaac Sileku, to provide additional support to our colleagues in agriculture in these critical operations,” said Winde.
FMD threatens agriculture, economy, and jobs
The spread of FMD poses a significant threat to the cattle industry, the agricultural economy, and jobs in the sector.
The red meat industry, a crucial growth sector in Mzansi agriculture, contributes over R70 billion to the national economy annually and employs more than 600 000 people.
In 2023, South Africa exported red meat worth R4.7 billion globally, with the Western Cape contributing 14% (R6 million) to the total.
Meyer emphasised the gravity of the threat by announcing his intention to write to his counterpart in the Eastern Cape, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe. He will urge her to continue enforcing the measures outlined in Government Gazette notice 47263, issued in October 2022.
“We must work together to enforce biosecurity preventative measures regarding the movement of cattle, sheep, and goats within areas outside FMD disease management areas, including the Western Cape, so that our farmers’ and workers’ livelihoods are not endangered,” he said.
Additionally, Meyer has requested state veterinarians to strictly enforce current biosecurity measures and explore further interventions to strengthen operations.
Supported by the Western Cape Traffic Services officials, state veterinarians will check livestock consignments for the correct documents, including information regarding the origin, health status, and destination of animals.
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