Botswana gains upper hand against FMD
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday July 13, 2026 06:00
Addressing stakeholders during the launch of the Animal Disease Surveillance Dashboard this week, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, said outbreaks in Maitengwe and Zone 6b have been successfully suppressed following extensive vaccination programmes, supported by strong cooperation from livestock farmers.
The newly launched dashboard is expected to strengthen disease surveillance by consolidating field data and integrating with key systems, including the Botswana Animal Information and Traceability System (BAITS) and district veterinary networks. Additionally, the platform provides a comprehensive overview of animal health across the country, enabling faster detection of disease outbreaks and more informed decision-making.
“We are surely winning this fight against FMD. The outbreaks in Zones 3c and 6b have been successfully contained through vaccination, supported by the commitment and cooperation of farmers,” Dr Dikoloti said.
He described the development as a significant milestone in protecting Botswana’s livestock industry, which plays a central role in the national economy and underpins livelihoods in rural communities. The Minister commended farmers for complying with livestock movement restrictions and actively participating in vaccination exercises designed to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
While progress has been recorded, Dr Dikoloti cautioned that the situation in Zones 11 and 13 remains complex. He noted that the scale of the outbreak in these areas is larger, both geographically and in terms of affected cattle populations.
“The outbreak in Zones 11 and 13 is far more complex and extensive. However, we are beginning to see a reduction in cases in the initially affected areas, including the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Station, Ramatlabama and Papatlo villages, as well as Lobatse feedlots and surrounding areas,” he said.
Dr Dikoloti added that active cases are still being reported in more recently affected locations such as Magoriapitse and Molapowabojang. However, the Minister expressed confidence that ongoing second and third rounds of vaccination would bring the outbreaks under control.
“These remaining cases are expected to be extinguished through the continued rollout of vaccination programmes currently underway,” he said.
In addition to disease control measures, Dr Dikoloti announced steady progress in the construction of the 350-kilometre Otse–Ramotswa–Mmathethe–Werda containment zone fence. He explained that while the project relies heavily on existing infrastructure such as cluster, drift and road fences, between 100 and 130 kilometres of new cordon fencing must be constructed across previously undeveloped land. He said the government has a target to complete the fencing project by the end of July. Upon completion, Botswana intends to apply to the World Organisation for Animal Health for formal recognition of the containment zone. Such recognition, is expected to pave the way for the restoration of international livestock trade status for areas currently affected by restrictions linked to Zones 11 and 13, strengthening confidence in Botswana’s animal health systems and safeguarding access to key export markets.