Botswana has heightened surveillance measures after new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were detected in the Goodhope district near the South African border, Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti said on Tuesday.
Dikoloti said the latest infections followed an incursion of affected livestock from across the border last month.
“Following the incursion into the area on 31 March this year, after the initial outbreak was detected within the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Centre, the first cases affected a mob of 64 bulls. Out of these, two bulls exhibited clinical signs consistent with FMD,” he said.
Since then, additional cases have been confirmed at Papatlo Crush (16), Matasalalo Crush (11) and Primfast (23), prompting authorities to intensify containment efforts.
Botswana has been battling FMD outbreaks in multiple zones, leading to movement restrictions, temporary trade suspensions and emergency vaccination campaigns.
The Goodhope cases add pressure to an already strained animal health system, particularly given the district’s proximity to South Africa and Zimbabwe where cross-border livestock movement is common.
To curb further spread, Dikoloti said government plans to vaccinate all animals within the designated containment zone.
JN/APA