FMD crisis: We must fight as one

The Monitor Editor | Wednesday September 23, 2026 06:00

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.

The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.

This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political point-scoring. It is the time for national mobilisation. The President and his government must treat FMD as a national emergency requiring sustained, visible, and coordinated leadership. Government has already introduced vaccination, movement controls, surveillance, containment infrastructure and other interventions.

But the scale and persistence of the challenge require these measures to be implemented with urgency, adequate resources, and uncompromising discipline.

Equally important is the behaviour of ordinary citizens. Government cannot defeat FMD alone. Farmers must comply with movement restrictions, report suspected cases promptly, observe biosecurity measures, and ensure that livestock remain where they are supposed to be. Veterinary officers need the resources and cooperation necessary to do their work. Traditional leaders, councillors, and Members of Parliament must help mobilise communities. Herders and farm workers must understand that vigilance is not optional; it is part of protecting the national herd.

The recent experience has shown that even areas historically considered safe can become vulnerable. Reports of outbreaks in the southern parts of the country, including Zone 13, underline the seriousness of the threat.

There must also be accountability. Where fences are breached, animals moved illegally, or suspected cases concealed, authorities must act within the law. At the same time, communities must be given clear information about restrictions, vaccination programmes, and the reasons behind difficult decisions.

Botswana cannot afford to normalise FMD. The country needs a sustained national strategy that combines strong veterinary services, effective traceability, functioning cordon fences, adequate laboratories, border cooperation, and meaningful support for affected farmers. This is a fight for the national herd, but it is also a fight for livelihoods, food security, and the larger economy.