Media Release: Garden Route Trails Remain Open – Riders Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid FMD Concerns

17 February 2026

The Garden Route continues to offer some of South Africa’s most scenic and well-managed trail experiences, attracting mountain bikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. While KwaZulu-Natal is currently at the centre of a widespread Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, FMD outbreak has been reported in the Garden Route in Mossel Bay, with a suspect case in George. Control measures include quarantine, vaccination, movement restrictions of animals from the quarantined area to outside areas, and enhanced surveillance.

The Garden Route is home to arguably the most extensive network of high-quality trails in South Africa. With the Mossel Bay municipal area currently affected by FMD, recreational users must understand that individuals can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers of the virus through contaminated mud, soil or organic material on footwear, bicycles and vehicles.

Trail users are urged to avoid entering private farmland without permission and respect any biosecurity access restrictions.

Cyclists need to understand that mud and soil can cling to bike tyres, pedals, shoes and clothing. Therefore, thoroughly cleaning equipment before and after rides particularly if you have travelled from other provinces, is essential.

Minimise Vehicle Contamination

Vehicles travelling through muddy or agricultural areas can carry soil on tyres and undercarriages. Cleaning vehicles before entering rural areas helps reduce risk.

Respect Temporary Closures

Precautionary closures or biosecurity measures must be strictly observed. Such measures protect livestock, farmers’ livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy.

By respecting the land and the people who steward it, we safeguard not only livestock and livelihoods, but also the long-term sustainability of the Garden Route’s cherished trail networks.

For updates on livestock health matters, residents and recreational users are encouraged to access resources here:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/
https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/

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