 | Drakenstein Municipality placed under veterinary quarantine following Foot-and Mouth Disease case
16 February 2026 | Press Releases |
14 February 2026
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture's State Veterinarian (Boland) has issued a formal quarantine order to Drakenstein Municipality following a confirmed case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the area.
Under this order, Drakenstein Municipality has been placed under immediate veterinary quarantine. The order was issued in terms of the provisions of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) and the Animal Diseases Regulations G.N. R 2026 of 26 September 1986 (as amended).
As a precautionary measure, all cloven-hoofed animals (such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) in Drakenstein Municipality are suspected of infection. Therefore, movement of animals or potentially contaminated materials (including feed, equipment or carcasses) is strictly prohibited unless authorised by a special permit issued by the State Veterinarian.
FMD is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It does not infect humans, horses or domestic pets, and it is not a public health or food safety threat.
Drakenstein Municipality's Safety and Community Services is cooperating with and supporting the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and relevant authorities to ensure the effective implementation of control measures.
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, said: “We understand the seriousness of the matter and will be supporting our farmers and agricultural sector as best we can. We take note of the order issued and are working very closely with the State Veterinarian in the area. The Municipality has also been assisting farmers by providing water for the animals every day."
Residents, farmers and livestock owners are urged to comply with all biosecurity measures, avoid unnecessary movement of animals and follow guidance issued by State Veterinary authorities.
Cooperation from the community is critical to managing the situation responsibly and protecting the local agricultural sector.
These measures follow the confirmation of a positive case of FMD in Vlakkeland, Paarl, on Friday, 6 February 2026. The quarantine will remain in place until officially lifted.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
About Drakenstein Municipality
Located an hour's drive from Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Drakenstein Municipality encompasses Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda, Hermon, Saron and Simondium. It boasts the largest economy in the Cape Winelands and is home to 311 601 residents. Drakenstein Municipality is one of the country's most financially sound, well-governed, stable and sustainable municipalities - recognised specifically for its good governance and service excellence. The Municipality has been rated South Africa's number one secondary city and has, since 2011, achieved 11 clean audits.
Visit our website at www.drakenstein.gov.za or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
