GABORONE — Botswana has urged farmers and other stakeholders along its border with South Africa to be on high alert after an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was reported in Limpopo Province, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.
The ministry called on livestock owners and the public to report any signs of the viral disease — including drooling and ulcers in the mouth, on the muzzle or on the hooves — to the nearest veterinary office or to the Botswana Police Service.
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“Reports of suspect animals should be made immediately,” the ministry said, stressing the need for rapid detection and response to limit spread across the border. The statement advised heightened vigilance in border districts and among commercial and communal farmers.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Infected animals may show fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive salivation, and lameness. While FMD rarely kills adult animals, it can cause severe production losses and trigger trade restrictions that carry heavy economic consequences for farmers and national livestock industries.
Officials did not provide details on the size or exact location of the outbreak in Limpopo, and there was no immediate confirmation from South African authorities in public comments. Botswana’s advisory focused on early reporting and awareness to enable veterinary services to mount surveillance and containment measures.
- Watch for signs in animals: drooling, mouth or muzzle ulcers, blisters or sores on hooves, lameness.
- Do not move animals or animal products if you suspect disease; report to the nearest veterinary office or Botswana Police Service.
- Follow instructions from veterinary authorities on disinfection, temporary movement restrictions, and testing.
Cross-border outbreaks present particular challenges in the region, where informal animal movements and shared grazing areas can accelerate spread. Veterinary authorities typically respond to FMD reports with targeted surveillance, movement controls, quarantine, and in some cases vaccination campaigns in at-risk zones.
Farmers along Botswana’s southern frontier were urged to keep animals under close observation, maintain records of any recent animal movements, and contact veterinary officers immediately if they notice suspicious symptoms.
Further updates are expected as veterinary services on both sides of the border investigate and coordinate any necessary containment steps.
By News-room
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
