Botswana Tightens Livestock Controls After Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Zimbabwe

Botswana Tightens Livestock Controls After Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Zimbabwe. Botswana’s Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has issued an urgent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) alert following the confirmation of an outbreak in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland South Province, which shares a border with Botswana.

According to the ministry, the outbreak was reported in Zimbabwe’s Mangwe district. In response, authorities have called on farmers and livestock stakeholders in Botswana’s Tutume, North-East and Bobirwa districts to remain vigilant and to strictly observe disease prevention measures.

The ministry outlined a set of mandatory precautions aimed at limiting the risk of FMD transmission. These include controlling livestock movement through herding and kraaling, particularly during nighttime, and ensuring that all cattle are properly identified using branding and BAITS ear tags. Farmers have also been instructed to immediately report any suspected signs of FMD to veterinary offices or the police. Symptoms highlighted include lameness, excessive salivation, and the presence of ulcers on the mouth or hooves.

In addition, farmers are required to report any incidents of livestock crossing between Botswana and Zimbabwe, as well as cases of vandalism to disease control fences or illegal border crossings involving animals.

As part of the response, the ministry has imposed strict movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals in zones 3b, 3c (Maitengwe), 6b and 7. Movement within these zones is permitted only for animals destined for direct slaughter. The ministry further stated that livestock from the affected zones may not be exported or slaughtered for export purposes.

Border communities have been urged to cooperate with government disease prevention efforts. This includes maintaining cordon fences and ensuring that livestock are kept away from border areas.

The ministry emphasised that these measures are necessary to protect Botswana’s livestock industry and to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease within the country.