19 May 2013

Farmers in Zone 6 may opt for cash as compensation for their small stock (goats and sheep) that will be killed because of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in their area.

The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi announced during a recent kgotla meeting that farmers were at liberty to choose cash. Mr Molebatsi said P700 will be paid for any cattle killed irrespective of age and breed. He said those interested should liaise with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) officials.

The minister said 30 000 goats and sheep would be killed in Matsiloje, Matshelagabedi, Matopi, Ditladi, Patayamatebele and Saenete where the FMD virus was discovered. Concerning the restocking of cattle that were killed in 2011, he said the exercise would be done after the area was cleared of FMD.

However, he said farmers who had cattleposts outside Zone Six and would like to have their cattle delivered there, could arrange with veterinary officials. Farmers criticised the agriculture ministry for taking long to eradicate the disease from their area, saying in 2011, they suggested that all cloven-hooved animals should be killed.

Mr Nchenje Mogapi said goats in Tonota should also be killed because they drank in the same river with those from Ditladi. He condemned the Ministry of Agriculture for what, he said, was wasting funds on purified vaccination on small stock instead of killing them.

Another farmer, Mr Khutsafalo Mogorosi said during the outbreak in 2011, he reported some goats in his kraals that had symptoms of the disease, but that officials ignored him. Mr Ratshimo Ramahobo, said he had suggested that the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) abattoir be relocated from the area, and that just like in Zone Seven, their cattle should not be killed but vaccinated should there be another outbreak.

The area MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi blamed the Ministry of Agriculture for inadequate communication with farmers. Mr Moatlhodi said since residents were informed of the decision to kill their livestock, the ministry did not come back to them to update them on the situation. ENDS