Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak: Farms Quarantined in South Africa’s Eastern Cape

The Department of Agriculture in South Africa has imposed quarantine measures on farms near Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Three farms have tested positive for the SAT3 virus, similar to previous outbreaks in other provinces in 2021 and 2022. Spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo has confirmed the quarantine and ongoing epidemio-logical investigations to identify at-risk properties. Ngcobo emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures for farmers, including health clearance and isolation protocols for new animals. While movement controls are currently not widespread, they may be implemented if deemed necessary.