Botswana’s livestock industry is facing a potential crisis as hundreds of buffalo from neighboring Zimbabwe have crossed the border and exposed local cattle to the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
FMD is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It can cause fever, blisters, lameness, and reduced milk production. The disease does not affect humans but can have devastating economic and social impacts on farmers and consumers.
According to the Botswana Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, the buffalo were spotted in the Pandamatenga area, which is close to the Chobe National Park in Zimbabwe. The ministry said it has deployed veterinary officers and security personnel to monitor the situation and prevent contact between the buffalo and the cattle.
The ministry also urged farmers in the area to cooperate with the authorities and report any suspicious cases of FMD. It said it has activated its contingency plan and is ready to implement necessary control measures.
Botswana is one of the largest beef exporters in Africa, with most of its products destined for the European Union market. The country has been free of FMD since 2019 when it experienced an outbreak that suspended its beef exports for several months.
The outbreak was attributed to contact between cattle and buffalo from Zimbabwe, which has struggled to contain FMD for years due to a lack of resources and political instability. Zimbabwe’s wildlife authorities have also been accused of failing to manage its buffalo population, which is estimated at over 500,000.
The movement of buffalo across borders seriously threatens the livestock sector in southern Africa, where FMD is endemic in some countries. The region has a harmonized FMD control strategy involving vaccination, surveillance, movement control, and zoning.
However, the implementation of the strategy has been hampered by various challenges, such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, weak coordination, and cross-border conflicts.
Dr. Mpho Maja, the director of animal health at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said that FMD remains a priority disease for the region and called for more collaboration among member states.
“We must strengthen regional cooperation and solidarity in dealing with FMD and other transboundary animal diseases. We need to share information, resources, and expertise to enhance our preparedness and response capacity,” he said.
Dr. Maja also appealed to the international community and development partners to support the region’s efforts to control FMD and safeguard its livestock industry.
He expressed optimism that Botswana will be able to contain the current situation and prevent an outbreak of FMD.
“Botswana has a good track record of managing FMD outbreaks. They have a competent veterinary service and a well-established FMD control program. I am confident they will be able to handle this situation effectively and protect their cattle from FMD,” he said.
Source: New Zimbabwe
