FMD spreads as EU suspends Botswana beef imports
correspondent | Monday April 20, 2026 15:02
According to a statement, the ministry revealed that FMD continues to spiral out of control.
“The ongoing disease surveillance has detected FMD in three more crushes; Phihetswane, Bethele, and Crowsley Park Farm (near Hildavale),” read the statement.
These new infections add to previously reported cases at Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory (NAIL), Papatlo, Matasalalo, Ramatlabama village crush, and Primefast feedlot in Hildavale. Authorities have maintained that strict control measures will continue to apply as the situation remains under surveillance.
“Movement ban of cloven-hoofed livestock and fresh products thereof, and prohibition of slaughter remain in force to contain the outbreak,” the statement read.
Farmers have been urged to comply fully to limit further spread. The outbreak has already had international repercussions. The ministry disclosed that “the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) suspended the FMD free status of the larger FMD free zone,” affecting multiple zones, including 3c, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Consequently, Botswana’s beef exports have taken a hit.
“The European Union (EU) is suspending beef imports from Botswana from the larger FMD-free zone... until the zone has regained the FMD-free status and the EU requirements have been satisfied,” read the statement. Farmers have been advised to avoid illegal or unauthorised movement of livestock out of the affected areas and also to keep animals in the kraal at night to reduce transmission risks.
The ministry further called for cooperation, urging stakeholders “to be patient and cooperate with officials carrying out disease control activities, including disease surveillance, vaccination against FMD, searches and disinfection at checkpoints”. The ministry has called on the public to report any suspected cases, which include lameness and excessive salivation.