Stop moving cattle now, MEC warns Eastern Cape farmers

Komani, Eastern Cape – The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has issued a strong warning to farmers and livestock owners across the province following growing concerns about the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe recently convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the red meat industry, including national and provincial industry leadership, Agri Eastern Cape, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) rural safety unit. The meeting focused on urgent interventions to curb the spread of the disease, which officials say has now been detected in areas previously believed to be unaffected.

Disease Spreading Faster Than Expected

According to MEC Kontsiwe, new information has revealed that FMD is spreading more widely across the province than initially anticipated.

“We have discovered that the disease is spreading in areas we were previously unaware of, largely due to livestock movement,” Kontsiwe said.

She warned that uncontrolled movement of cattle, sheep and other livestock is one of the primary drivers of transmission, placing both commercial and communal farmers at risk.

Call to Restrict Livestock Movement

The department has urged livestock owners to immediately restrict the movement of animals, particularly between districts and provinces, unless proper veterinary clearance has been obtained.

Foot and Mouth Disease spreads rapidly through direct contact between animals, contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing and even animal products. Once introduced into an area, it can devastate local farming economies, disrupt meat supply chains and lead to severe trade restrictions.

Department Cannot Fight Alone

MEC Kontsiwe stressed that controlling the outbreak cannot be achieved by government alone and requires cooperation from all role players in the agricultural sector.

“The department cannot do this alone. That is why we roped in Agri Eastern Cape because they are organised across the province,” she said.

Agri Eastern Cape plays a critical role in coordinating farmers, sharing information, and ensuring compliance with biosecurity measures on farms and at auctions.

SAPS Rural Safety Involved

The inclusion of SAPS rural safety leadership highlights the seriousness of the situation. Authorities are concerned about illegal livestock movement, stock theft syndicates, and unregulated sales, which can accelerate the spread of the disease.

Police are expected to assist with monitoring compliance, road checks where necessary, and supporting veterinary officials enforcing movement controls.

Impact on Farmers and Local Economy

Foot and Mouth Disease does not pose a direct threat to humans, but its economic consequences are severe. Infected farms may be placed under quarantine, livestock sales halted, and export markets closed.

For communal farmers and emerging livestock owners in areas such as Komani and surrounding rural communities, an outbreak could result in devastating financial losses and long-term setbacks.

Farmers Urged to Remain Vigilant

The Department of Agriculture has urged farmers to:

• Report suspected cases immediately

• Avoid buying animals from unknown or unverified sources

• Ensure visitors and vehicles follow strict biosecurity protocols

• Limit animal movement unless absolutely necessary

Further updates and guidance are expected as surveillance continues across the province.