Government has tightened livestock movement controls following a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at several cattle crushes in Kgatleng District.
The suspected cases were detected at Marapong crush in the Oodi–Dikwididi extension area, as well as Rabotsiripa, Masarweng and Tomosi crushes in the Mochudi extension area. These areas fall under Disease Control Zone 11.
In a statement, the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture said investigations into the suspected outbreak were continuing and were expected to take between two and three weeks.
While investigations are underway, government has introduced a revised livestock movement protocol aimed at preventing the possible spread of the disease.
“The main changes in the revised protocol include prohibiting movement in Zone 11, excluding the containment zone, and restricting movement in Zones 8, 9, 10 and 3,” the ministry said.
The latest directive replaces all previously announced livestock movement protocols.
Farmers and other livestock owners have been urged to familiarise themselves with the revised measures and ensure that cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals are not moved in violation of the controls.
The ministry has also called on farmers and members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report livestock showing signs of illness to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services or Botswana Police Service office.
