The Botswana government has suspended livestock imports from Zimbabwe amid a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, while tightening border controls to safeguard its cattle industry
BONGANI MALUNGA
Botswana has imposed an immediate ban on the importation and movement of livestock and livestock products from Zimbabwe following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the neighbouring country.
FMD cases have been reported in Mangwe district (Matebeleland South Province) which shares a border with Botswana’s Tume, North East and Bobirwa districts.
Authorities said the precautionary measure is aimed at safeguarding Botswana’s livestock industry, particularly its cattle sector, which is critical to national food security and export earnings. The ban covers live animals and high-risk products, with veterinary officials increasing surveillance along border areas and at entry points to prevent any possible cross-border transmission.
URGED TO REPORT
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture urged communities along the Zimbabwean border to report Zimbabwe livestock that have crossed into Botswana or vice versa, vandalism of the disease control fence or illegal crossing at undesignated points.
INELIGIBLE FOR SLAUGHTER
“Communities along the border with Zimbabwe are also urged to support government disease prevention efforts such as maintaining cordon fences, removal of livestock from the border and combatting cross-border illegal activities. Movement of cloven-hoofed animals out of, into and within zones 3b, 3c (Maitengwe) 6b and 7 is not allowed except for direct slaughter. The livestock from these zones are not eligible for export or slaughter for export,” said the Acting Director of Veterinary Services Dr Kobedi Segale in the statement.
HEIGHTENED SENSITIVITY
The decision underscores Botswana’s heightened sensitivity to animal disease outbreaks, given its heavy reliance on beef exports to premium markets, including the European Union. A single FMD incursion could trigger immediate trade restrictions, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers and the broader value chain.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES
Officials have urged farmers, transporters and communities near the Zimbabwean border to adhere strictly to biosecurity measures, warning that non-compliance could undermine the country’s disease-free status and jeopardize access to international markets.