Foot and Mouth Disease

The South African agricultural sector is currently facing a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak affecting cattle, sheep, and pigs.

FMD is not a public health risk and does not affect humans. FMD does not pose a food safety risk to humans, nor is it transmittable to humans from animals.

It presents significant economic risk to the agricultural sector, particularly livestock farming and export markets.

The Western Cape, where the Absa Cape Epic takes place, is the least affected region in the country.
 
The event has been in close consultation with the Western Cape Government, the National and Provincial Sport and Recreation Departments, and Provincial and National Agriculture authorities. To mitigate the risk of spreading this highly infectious disease between farms the race traverses.
 
Mandatory biosecurity measures will be implemented during race week.

These include:
– Riding through disinfectant troughs with your bicycle tyres before and during stages.
– Disinfecting your shoes at designated points.
– Always remaining strictly on route.
– All vehicles will be subjected to disinfectant sprays when entering or leaving certain race villages.
 
Your cooperation on this is not procedural – it is mandatory. The privilege of riding through some of the most spectacular private land in the Western Cape comes with responsibility.

By complying fully, you are directly contributing to the protection of farming communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our race.
 
For any questions or clarifications required in relation to Foot and Mouth Disease, please contact [email protected]