The Western Cape government has assured residents that the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak will not impact provincial food security. Minister of Agriculture Ivan Meyer emphasized effective biosecurity measures to manage the situation. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape has allocated R55 million to combat the disease nationally declared a disaster.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and goats, continues to spread across South African provinces. The Western Cape government maintains that this outbreak poses no threat to local food supplies. Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer stated that robust biosecurity protocols are in place to handle the crisis effectively.
Meyer highlighted the province's preparedness, noting, “For the citizens of the Western Cape, there is no shortage of meat; there will be no immediate impact on the price of meat.” He described the cabinet's response as a serious endeavor, drawing parallels to the handling of COVID-19. The approach involves all societal sectors, with appreciation extended to farmers and collaborators for containing the virus spread.
On a national level, FMD has been declared a disaster. In the Eastern Cape, where the disease is severely affecting livestock, the government has committed R55 million for immediate action. Treasury spokesperson Phumelele Godongwana explained that the funds will support the Department of Agriculture in procuring vaccines. This measure aims to protect the livestock sector, secure food supplies, and support rural communities' livelihoods amid fiscal challenges.
The provincial commitment underscores efforts to limit the outbreak's socio-economic effects across regions.