FMD throws North East into life-or-death fight

Friday, February 13, 2026 | 190 Views |

Life goes on: Jakalas 1 residents atMachipisa Butchery and Domboshaba Restaurant Bar PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the North East District is threatening the livelihoods of butchery owners and employees, with several butcheries shutting down due to restrictions on cattle movement amidst plunging meat sales. The situation has left both employers and employees uncertain about their future. Mmegi Correspondents, LESEDI MKHUTSHWA and LARONA MAKHAIZA write

JAKALAS NO. 1: The economy here is already feeling the effects of the government's implementation of FMD control measures, such as monitoring and quarantine procedures, to contain the disease.

In addition, butchery business owners and employees are concerned about how these will affect their incomes, as the government has not yet disclosed whether or not there will be any subsidies.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

BOTEPCO hosted the first-ever Africa Teaching and Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) conference. PIC.KINGSLEY KUDA

Gaborone hosts landmark continental education summit

Kingsley Kuda | 5 h ago

Mmegi sports journalist gets global recognition

staff writer | 7 h ago

Cowpeas worth P15m rot in silo

Mbongeni Mguni | 8 h ago

Every child is precious

TUDUETSO KELAPILE | 10 h ago

Union leaders fire salvos at Boko

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

We aren't backtracking on ConCourt – Boko

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | 1d ago

Alcohol not an excuse for murder, rules Kebonang

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

High Court throws out bidder for 'skipping' Tribunal

Innocent Selatlhwa | 1d ago

Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

The Monitor Editor | 05 May 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.