Botswana says it has suppressed the foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in its northern control zones, with the last confirmed cases recorded in March 2026 but warned that revised movement restrictions will remain in force as vaccination rounds continue to prevent any further spread.
The Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement on Monday that three rounds of vaccination have already been completed in zones 6b North and 3c Masunga while a second round for 6b South and 3c Tutume is scheduled for mid‑June.
The update marks the latest step in containing an outbreak first detected earlier this year in zones 3c and 6b, which triggered emergency vaccination, biosecurity measures and strict movement controls across multiple districts.
Authorities also confirmed that Zimbabwe has completed the first round of vaccinations within 40 kilometres of the border, with a second round also planned for mid‑June.
Botswana’s veterinary services said prevention and control measures remain active in zones 11, 12 and 13 where containment‑zone surveillance, emergency vaccination and movement prohibitions continue.
Vaccination is ongoing in areas where new detections were reported outside the initial containment zone, including Lobatse communal area, Molapowabojang, Digawana and Mogojogojo, as well as in affected farms in zone 13.
The government has now revised movement restrictions across several zones, maintaining bans in the infected areas of 6b and 3c‑Maitengwe while adjusting rules for zones 3b, 4a, 7, 3c‑Dukwi, 4b, 5, 6a, 8, 9 and 10 to allow limited slaughter movements under veterinary permit.
Movement of cloven‑hoofed animals remains prohibited in zones 11, 12 and 13, although certain fresh products may move under permit and seal.
Hunting of cloven‑hoofed wildlife is also banned except under strict conditions in zone 12.
Authorities urged farmers and the public to comply with the revised protocols, remain vigilant and report any signs of illness to veterinary officials or police.
JN/APA