Long-term strategy to combat FMD in offing

President Mokgweetsi Masisi revealed at the 22nd National Agricultural Show opening in Gaborone that a long-term strategy is under development to combat the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) following the recent outbreak in the North Eastern part of Botswana.

The recent outbreak of theFMD in the disease control Zone 6b in the North East District was the first in two years. As a result, Zone 6b FMD-free status has been suspended, with government contemplating culling cloven-hoofed animals found to be infected in the area.

The President said FMD has not only affected Botswana, with almost every country in the Southern African region experiencing outbreaks. Masisi said government has committed significant resources to contain the current FMD outbreak and restore the situation. “Bagaetsho, during this very difficult time I want to thank farmers and other stakeholders for their cooperation and patience, and support towards government’s disease control efforts.

I want to assure Batswana that the government has committed significant resources to contain the current FMD outbreak and restore the situation,” he said.

Furthermore, Masisi said he has met with his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa to come up with a strategy to combat FMD in the North Eastern parts of Botswana.

In the past, the Ministry of Agriculture had blamed the spread of FMD into Botswana on the illegal trafficking of animal products across the two countries’ borders.

It is also said that FMD control measures in Zimbabwe are allegedly weak, leading to the recurring spread of the disease in the border area. “However, a long-term strategy is being developed that will not only assist Botswana to combat FMD but will also benefit the whole region,” he added.

The beef sector in particular has suffered major setbacks due to FMD outbreaks, particularly in the red zones. Last year, the Department of Veterinary Services set a process in motion to review its FMD control strategy.

The arrangement aimed to take stock of what has been achieved since the last review in 2012 and then align it with current scientific knowledge and international best practices as espoused in the standards provided by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The strategy is recognised as an important organ in ensuring the integrity of the green zones and avoiding any disruption in accessing the European Union markets.

The recent outbreak of

FMD in the disease control Zone 6b in the North East District was the first in

two years