By Anita Dangazele
- Foot and mouth disease was confirmed in livestock in Bumbane village in Amahlathi Municipality.
- Farmers have been told to stop moving cattle, sheep, goats and pigs until 23 January 2026.
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe is visiting rural areas across the province this week after foot and mouth disease was confirmed in livestock.
The disease was confirmed on 23 December in animals in Bumbane village near Keiskamahoek in Amahlathi Municipality.
After that, the provincial department received reports of animals showing similar symptoms in other areas. These include Willowvale, Matatiele and the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality.
So far, no other cases have been confirmed outside Bumbane.
The department says some animals in these areas showed signs such as sores and blisters, which could point to foot and mouth disease.
The department urged farmers and communities to stay alert and report any sick animals.
It said signs to watch out for include excessive salivation, sores or blisters in the mouth and on the feet.
Kontsiwe is expected to visit three affected areas in the coming days.
She will meet farmers in Bizana on Monday, Willowvale on Wednesday and Keiskamahoek on Friday.
The visits aim to encourage early reporting of sick animals and to push for strict disease control.
The department has also instructed all farmers in the province to stop moving cloven hoofed animals until 23 January 2026.
This includes cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
Officials say the disease spreads easily through animal movement, which is why limiting contact between herds is important.
Pictured above: Cattle in a rural area of the Eastern Cape.
Image source: Supplied
