HIGH ALERT

Farmers across Botswana are doing everything possible to shield their livestock from foot and mouth disease (FMD) amid rising concerns that outbreaks in neighbouring South Africa could spill over the border. With reports confirming the disease in provinces closer to Botswana, farmers, veterinary officials and the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture have moved into high alert mode, aware that any breach could deal a heavy blow to the country’s cattle industry. Speaking to The Midweek Sun, Badisakgomo Group spokesperson, Odirile Kamodi said farmers were taking the warnings seriously and had begun reinforcing control measures at community level.The group met with farmers at Magoraapitse last Friday, and agreed to remain vigilant and to strictly manage the movement of livestock.Farmers were encouraged to pen their animals, limit unnecessary movement and quickly report any unusual symptoms.The group planned to continue holding meetings in more remote areas to ensure that information reached farmers who may not have easy access to updates. Veterinary officials have also intensified outreach efforts, especially in areas close to the South African border.Dr Kobedi Segale from Veterinary Services said the focus had been on ensuring that farmers and the general public understood how easily FMD spreads and the damage it could cause if it entered Botswana.Veterinary teams are working to ensure that worn-out border fences are repaired to prevent cloven-hoofed animals from crossing into the country.He added that controlling animal movement on both sides of the border was critical, as even brief contact between infected and healthy animals could spread the virus.Working with the Office of the President and other security agencies, Ramotswa Police Station Commander, Superintendent James Moikothai also revealed that police are assisting in efforts to prevent illegal cross-border movement of both animals and people.He said patrols have been intensified in border areas to support veterinary and agricultural authorities in keeping the situation under control. The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has since issued a stern alert following reports of an escalation of FMD cases in South African Provinces near Botswana.The Ministry warned that the risk to Botswana had increased and called on farmers, traders and transporters to comply fully with existing regulations on livestock movement.Authorities said the situation requires collective responsibility, as one lapse could undo years of progress in disease control.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Kabelo Ebineng, said the situation in South Africa is worrisome.He said that FMD had been recorded in eight of South Africa’s nine provinces, describing the outbreak as worsening and posing a serious threat to Botswana.South African government has alerted Botswana to cases entering Provinces along the shared border, raising fears that the disease could reach areas adjacent to Lobatse and other key cattle-producing regions.Ebineng said that importation of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh animal products from South Africa remained prohibited. He warned that the North West Province was of particular concern due to its proximity to Lobatse, where the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) plays a central role in beef processing and exports.He said any detection of FMD in nearby areas could force the closure of BMC operations, a move that would have far-reaching economic consequences for farmers and the country at large.Farmers interviewed by The Midweek Sun said the threat of FMD went beyond the loss of animals. Many said they feared losing access to markets, especially international buyers who insist on strict animal health standards.Some farmers said previous outbreaks had taught them painful lessons, with movement bans and delayed sales depriving households of income for months. FMD symptoms include excessive drooling, sores in the mouth, lameness and lesions on the hooves. Farmers are reminded to report suspected cases immediately to veterinary services or the police, rather than attempting to treat animals themselves or move them quietly to avoid losses.Farmers have also been reminded to brand cattle and use BAITS ear tags to improve traceability. Authorities have warned that infected livestock crossing into South Africa could be destroyed, with only limited compensation offered.The economic risk remains high, as any outbreak could disrupt BMC exports and affect artificial insemination centres.To reduce cross-border contact between livestock and wildlife, a veterinary cordon fence has been constructed along parts of the Molopo River, supported by boreholes drilled to keep animals away from the border. Botswana’s cattle industry remains one of the pillars of the rural economy, supporting thousands of households and contributing to national exports.Officials say protecting it requires discipline, cooperation and timely reporting from everyone involved, from small-scale farmers to commercial producers and transporters.Increased border surveillance, livestock movement restrictions and public warnings continue as Botswana remains on high alert for FMD following recent outbreaks in South Africa.Farmers in border districts such as Tsabong, Ramotswa, Tlokweng and Mahalapye have been urged to look out for signs of the disease.Government measures introduced in late 2025 and early 2026 include stricter border checks, restrictions on livestock movement and the enforcement of night-time kraaling to limit contact between animals.

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HIGH ALERT