Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak: CoCT's livestock movement under increased scrutiny

Livestock movement in and around Cape Town is under increased scrutiny as authorities clamp down on the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the city.

City of Cape Town law enforcement agencies, including metro police and traffic services, are on duty at FMD disease checkpoints in Wits and Klipheuwel.

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Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said officers are stopping and inspecting livestock transported in and out of the metro.

"Our staff have also been trained to conduct inspections of animals in transit and how to identify possible signs of infection."

Smith said the inspections are critical to protect farmers’ livelihoods, animal health, and food security.

He has urged livestock owners to comply with movement controls.

"We're also using the opportunity to build relationships with informal farmers. The current outbreak is a major challenge, but the sector is also a key role player in the city's broader efforts to achieve animal welfare and public safety."

The city said close to 2,600 animals have been vaccinated for FMD disease in the metropole since February.