PANIC
An outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory and Training Centre in the Goodhope District has triggered urgent disease control measures, as farmers and authorities move swiftly to contain it.
Acting Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale confirmed the outbreak in a press release issued by the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, and outlined restrictions now in force across multiple disease control zones.
“Farmers, members of the public and stakeholders are informed of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) at Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory and Training Centre in the Goodhope District, Disease Control Zone 11,” Segale said.
Investigations are ongoing, but strict prevention measures have been introduced with immediate effect to curb the spread of the disease, which mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats and sheep.
Among the key measures, movement of all cloven-hoofed animals has been banned in several zones, including 3c, 4a, 4b, 5, 6b, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.
The ban also covers slaughter for personal use or social events such as weddings and funerals, with all previously issued permits revoked.
“Movement of fresh products such as meat, fresh and milk, among others from cloven-hoofed animals between zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 is not allowed with immediate effect,” Segale added.
The Ramatlabama facility has been placed under quarantine, meaning no movement of animals or their products, including semen, is allowed in or out of the premises.
The outbreak has raised concern due to the strategic role played by the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Centre in improving Botswana’s cattle genetics.
The facility focuses on importing elite breeds and distributing semen to farmers nationwide.
In 2023, more than 160 pedigree bulls and heifers, including Brahman and Angus breeds, were imported from the United States, with bulls now considered at higher risk following the detection of the disease within the artificial insemination camp.
Authorities have also suspended importation and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals, with all permits revoked.
However, importation of processed products such as pasteurised milk and cooked products is still allowed under permit conditions, while ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk can be imported without a permit.
Farmers on the ground say they are doing everything possible to contain the situation, even with limited resources.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, J11 Farmers Association Chairperson, Ticket Kedise said farmers have taken it upon themselves to strengthen disease prevention efforts along the Botswana–South Africa border. He revealed that farmers have voluntarily cleared a 182-kilometre stretch by cutting trees and repairing sections of the border fence that had been vandalised.
“We chose to work on this stretch ourselves because residents keep vandalising the fence and stealing the poles that support it. This exposes our cattle to risks of crossing into neighbouring areas,” he explained.
Additionally, farmers have introduced a tracking system to improve the monitoring and control of cattle movement in the area.
“We have created a database to track cattle in our area and control stray cattle. It helps us alert farmers and makes it easier to identify livestock,” Kedise said.
The database covers the 182-kilometre stretch from Mabule to Tlhareseleele, spanning parts of Lobatse to Ramotswa, areas considered vulnerable due to proximity to the border.
Support efforts have also been strengthened through collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Badisakgomo representative, Ofentse Mathiba said they are working closely with a joint operation team that includes the Botswana Police Service, the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services and Veterinary Services.
“We sensitise farmers and encourage them to regularly check the fence and assist in repairing it whenever it is vandalised, to prevent cattle from crossing into South Africa,” said Mathiba.
Farmers are also required to ensure that their cattle are properly identified using Botswana Animal Information and Traceability System (BAITS) ear tags, along with zonal and owner brands.