Botswana bans livestock imports from Zimbabwe amid FMD outbreak near border

By APA

Botswana has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of cloven‑hoofed livestock and related products from Zimbabwe after authorities amid reports of a foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Mangwe district that borders Botswana’s Tutume, North‑East and Bobirwa regions.

Acting director of Veterinary Services Kobedi Segale announced the restrictions on Monday, saying the measure was necessary to prevent the highly contagious livestock disease from spreading into Botswana’s national herd.

Segale urged farmers in border districts to heighten vigilance and strictly follow FMD prevention protocols, including controlling livestock movement, kraaling animals at night, and ensuring all cattle are properly branded and tagged.

“Movement of cloven-hoofed animal out of, into and within zones 3b, 3c (Maitengwe), 6b and 7 is not allowed except for direct slaughter. The livestock from these zones are not eligible for export or slaughter for export,” the official said in a statement.

He urged farmers to immediately report any suspected symptoms — such as lameness, drooling or mouth and hoof ulcers — as well as any Zimbabwean livestock straying across the border or attempts to illegally import animals, raw meat or milk.

Communities along the frontier were also asked to support disease‑control efforts by maintaining cordon fences, removing livestock from border zones and helping curb cross‑border movements.