Mmegi

FMD crisis: A tale of two countries

Torn down: The border fence has broken down, allowing people, vehicles and animals through with ease PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Torn down: The border fence has broken down, allowing people, vehicles and animals through with ease PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The FMD crisis in North East District is a tale of two countries, with Zimbabwe's cattle posing a significant threat to Botswana's livestock industry. Mmegi journalists, LESEDI MKHUTSHWA, LARONA MAKHAIZA & KENNEDY RAMOKONE, visited leaders in Jackalas No.1 for insight on the dynamics

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.

Editor's Comment
Let's show compassion to baby Asli

Her story is heartbreaking not only because she is fighting for her life at such a tender age, but because her parents have spent months navigating a medical journey filled with uncertainty, delays, and rising fear.What began as something that seemed as simple as jaundice has escalated into a life-threatening condition that now requires an urgent liver transplant.For Asli’s parents, the reality is devastating. They are not asking for luxuries...

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