The government has lifted restrictions on the movement of slaughtered cloven-hoofed animals and their fresh products in several disease-free zones, following progress in controlling the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture confirmed that FMD cases remain confined to limited areas and that surveillance has not detected any spread beyond the affected zones.
“Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has been confirmed in the disease control Zone 3c at Moroka, Kgari, Nlapkhwane and Mulambakwena crushes,” the Ministry said.
“The on-going surveillance has not picked FMD cases outside Zones 3c and 6b — the disease outbreak is so far confirmed to Zones 3c and 6b only.”
The Ministry reported that vaccination of cattle in the affected areas is progressing well, with most animals already covered.
“Cattle in Zones 6b (north of Bisoli Farm) and Zone 3c (east of Shashe River) have been vaccinated against FMD, with 15,305 cattle vaccinated out of the expected 17,000,” the statement read.
“A booster vaccination will be done 28 days after the first vaccination.”
As a result of the containment measures, movement restrictions announced earlier this month have been revised with immediate effect, allowing the movement of slaughtered animals and fresh products in several zones.
“Movement of live cloven-hoofed animals remains prohibited except for direct slaughter at licensed slaughter facilities,” the Ministry said, adding that this includes slaughter for social events such as funerals and weddings.
“Movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products between, out of and within zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 is allowed,” the Ministry stated.
However, the movement of live cloven-hoofed animals remains tightly controlled.
“Movement of live cloven-hoofed animals remains prohibited except for direct slaughter at licensed slaughter facilities,” the Ministry said, adding that this includes slaughter for social events such as funerals and weddings.
The Ministry stressed that stricter controls remain in force in zones directly affected by the outbreak.
“Movement into, out of, or within zones 3c, 3b, 6a and 6b of live cloven-hoofed animals remains prohibited until further notice.”
Home slaughter continues to be banned nationwide.
“Home slaughter of live cloven-hoofed animals remains prohibited,” the Ministry emphasized.
Government also maintained restrictions on international trade in cloven-hoofed animals and related fresh products.
“Import and export, including transit of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products thereof, remains prohibited, except in zone 2 where export is allowed.”
The Ministry further cautioned farmers about a regional outbreak across the border.
“Farmers and stakeholders are informed of the FMD outbreak in the Northern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa which shares a border with Tsabong district,” the statement said.
“Importation of grasses including lucerne is not permitted.”
Farmers, members of the public and stakeholders were urged to comply with disease prevention measures and to report any suspected cases promptly.
“Farmers, members of the public and stakeholders are urged to comply with the disease prevention measures, remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in livestock,” the Ministry said.
Suspected cases can be reported to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services office, the Botswana Police Service or the National Emergency Operations Centre.
