18 Aug 2016

Francistown abattoir has started to slaughter cattle for the United Kingdom  (UK) market, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse has said.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Paje in his Serowe North constituency on August 17, Mr Autlwetse said the abattoir had been cleared to slaughter for the UK market following a visit to Botswana last year and subsequent assessment of the extent of foot and mouth in the country.

As a result of remedial actions, Mr Autlwetse said Francistown abattoir was cleared to slaughter.

The assistant minister said the UK delegation was made aware of the demarcations of zones according to risks. 

He said after satisfying themselves with the requirements, the delegation reported that Botswana beef could start selling at their market.

He said before the decision, Maun and Francistown abattoirs were already on their knees and some people were suggesting permanent closure, which leadership opposed. 

These abattoirs, according to the assistant minister, failed to pay supplies amongst a plethora of financial challenges. 

Mr Autlwetse consequently encouraged farmers to tag their livestock for traceability now that they would be sold to the UK market.

 He also appealed to farmers to respect cordon fences as they existed to control animal movements in their various zones.

His observation was that many farmers would not mend fences even if they spot damages caused either by livestock or wild animals arguing it was duty for some employed public servants, despite the damages posing threat to their livestock. ENDS