Botswana has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the northeastern part of the country, prompting the immediate enforcement of quarantine measures and livestock movement restrictions to prevent further spread near its border with Zimbabwe.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.
Ministry of Lands and Agriculture acting director of veterinary services, Kobedi Segale confirmed that laboratory tests had detected the virus in cattle at Jackalas 1 village, located in the Tsamaya Extension Area of the Masunga district.
“Laboratory testing on the samples collected from some of the animals in the affected area confirmed the presence of the FMD,” Segale said.
He made the announcement during a consultative meeting with local farmers held at the village’s customary court.
The official said surveillance efforts are ongoing to determine the extent of the outbreak.
Botswana’s veterinary authorities responded swiftly to the FMD cases by imposing movement restrictions, establishing containment zones and launching a public awareness campaign targeted at cattle-owning communities.
The North East District is home to a significant portion of Botswana’s livestock population and borders Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland region where FMD outbreaks have been periodically reported in recent years.
Neighbouring South Africa is also battling FMD outbreaks, raising concerns about cross-border transmission across shared grazing belts.
Although it does not impact human health, the disease can have devastating consequences for the livestock industry, including export bans and loss of income for farmers.
Botswana, one of Africa’s leading beef exporters and traditionally considered FMD-free in key zones, has long maintained strict animal health controls to protect its lucrative meat trade with markets such as the European Union.
AP