FMD crisis: A tale of two countries
Lesedi Mkhutshwa - Larona Makhaiza - Kennedy Ramokone | Monday February 16, 2026 16:31
JACKALAS NO. 1: In the heart of Jackalas 1, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) crisis has brought livestock farming to a grinding halt. The community is reeling from the devastating impact of the disease, which has spread rapidly across the border from Zimbabwe. With the border fence destroyed, cattle are roaming freely, infecting healthy animals and spreading the disease further.
In an interview with a Mmegi news crew, Jackalas 1 Farmers' committee chairperson, Dignity Mtombeni, highlighted the challenges posed by the destroyed border fence, which allows for unrestricted movement of people and animals between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Mtombeni appealed to the government to provide graders to repair the fence, noting that a volunteer group has already begun fixing the fence along the border.
He urged the government to engage with Zimbabwean authorities to implement a vaccination programme for cattle along the 40-kilometre border strip.
“All cattle along the border in Zimbabwe need to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease,” he said. “The beef market is crucial to our local economy and I also urge Zimbabwe to take the matter seriously.”
Thus far, about 565 cattle have been vaccinated in the area, an indication that farmers are eager to get the virus out of the area.
Jackalas 1 and Ramokgwebana councillor, Morapedi Mafohla, explained that the lack of grazing land has been a major challenge for farmers, forcing them to rely on limited resources and exposing their cattle to the risk of contracting FMD.
According to Mafohla, the community has suggested creating a 10km buffer zone from the border to control cattle movement and prevent future FMD outbreaks in their locality.
'The buffer zone will assist because the farmers will seal the place, therefore controlling the movement of cattle in the area and preventing outbreak of FMD in Botswana,' he said.
Additionally, he said that the buffer zone would also enable farmers to manage their cattle more effectively, reducing the risk of disease transmission and promoting sustainable livestock practices.
Mafohla highlighted that the FMD outbreak has also led to the cessation of cattle sales, resulting in significant financial losses for farmers and butcheries.
'Butcheries were greatly affected as well because they depended on cattle to sell meat to the people,' he continued.
The Ramokgwebana, Jackalas 1 area councillor indicated that the closure of butcheries has not only affected the livelihoods of those employed in the industry, but also limited access to affordable meat for local residents.
With careful planning and cooperation, he said, the FMD crisis could be overcome, and the community could once again look forward to a better future. Mafohla advised the community to adhere to FMD regulations, including avoiding the slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals and immediately reporting any symptoms of the disease.
'We are optimistic that with the government's help, we can beat FMD and build a more resilient livestock industry,' he added.
For his part, Jackalas 1 village chief, Tapson Jackalas, expressed deep concern about the devastating impact of FMD on his community
He stated that the community had formed committees to repair the fence along the border with Zimbabwe, aiming to prevent further spread of the disease.
The disease’s spread in the village has taken leaders by surprise.
“Instructions were given for all cattle to be taken to the kraal on a specific day for vaccination. “However, it became clear that every kraal in the village had been affected, with some cattle having been infected for an extended period without being reported,” he told the Mmegi newscrew.
In light of the situation, Jackalas advised community members to adapt to the new “way of life” and the restrictions imposed by veterinary officials. For instance, those planning events should opt for monetary gifts instead of cattle, to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
The border fence, however, remains a sore point in the village. According to Jackalas, greater vigilance is required along the border, as both locals and Zimbabwe criss-cross at ungazetted points to visit their families. 'We have heard of instances where, during funerals in Zimbabwe, some use ungazetted points of entry crossing into Zimbabwe and returning to Botswana,' Jackalas said. “There is need for greater public education on the risks associated with using ungazetted entry points.”
FMD can be spread by human beings coming into contact with diseased animals and carrying the virus on their shoes and clothing. This mechanical transmission can be done over great distances and is known to be one of the leading ways in which FMD outbreaks spread.
The ungazetted crossings both sides of the border not just a matter of families and friends, but are also driven by the economic decline in Zimbabwe. The Mmegi newscrew toured the dilapidated border fence and witnessed travellers casually crossing between Botswana and Zimbabwe, exchanging greetings.
Jackalas suggested that addressing the economic challenges in Zimbabwe could help alleviate the situation.
'We regularly meet with community leaders from Zimbabwe, and they acknowledge the difficulties, but emphasise the need to address the underlying factors driving migration,' he added.