Botswana issues alert after Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak reported in Zimbabwe

BOTSWANA – Botswana has raised an alert on Foot and Mouth Disease following a confirmed outbreak in Zimbabwe’s Mangwe district in Matabeleland South Province, an area that borders several livestock zones in Botswana.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, the government said the outbreak poses a direct risk to the Tutume, North East and Bobirwa districts due to frequent cross border livestock movement. Officials called on farmers and all livestock stakeholders to act quickly and report any suspected cases.

“Farmers and stakeholders are urged to be vigilant and observe all preventative measures to protect the national herd,” said Dr Kobedi Segale, Acting Director of Veterinary Services.

The ministry asked farmers to strictly control livestock movement through herding and kraaling, especially at night, and to ensure all cattle carry owner and zonal brands as well as BAITS ear tags. Authorities warned that early reporting remains key to limiting spread.

Dr Segale said officers must receive immediate reports of symptoms such as lameness, excessive salivation and ulcers on the mouth or hooves. He also urged the public to report any cattle crossing from Zimbabwe into Botswana, animals suspected to have returned from Zimbabwe, vandalism of disease control fences and illegal importation of livestock, raw meat or milk. “Any activity that puts the country at risk must be reported without delay,” he said.

Movement restrictions tightened

The ministry has banned the movement of cloven hoofed animals into, out of and within zones 3b, 3c Maitengwe, 6b and 7, except for direct slaughter. Livestock from these zones cannot qualify for export or slaughter for export. Border communities have also been asked to support government efforts by maintaining cordon fences, removing livestock from border areas and reporting illegal crossings.

Veterinary and public relations offices remain on standby to respond to reports and provide guidance to affected farmers.

The alert comes as concern grows across southern Africa over the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. In South Africa, the Southern African Agri Initiative has urged the government to declare the outbreak a national disaster, saying farmers face severe losses.

“Declaring FMD a national disaster will allow the government to deploy resources faster and support farmers whose livelihoods are under threat,” a Saai spokesperson said.

South African farmers have raised concern over vaccine costs of R300 per head (US$16.70), arguing that losses already stand at R5.6 billion (US$311 million). “Farmers who have already suffered these losses cannot be expected to cover the cost of state failure,” the spokesperson said.

Saai has also called for closer cooperation with the private sector, warning that weak coordination and limited trust continue to slow disease control. With Namibia also reporting a new strain of the disease, regional authorities now face growing pressure to act together to protect livestock, trade and farmer incomes.

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