21 Nov 2016

Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and Innovation (BITRI) has developed a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) rapid test; a diagnostic tool kit.
BITRI managed that through collaboration with Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in achieving this notable milestone. The kit would significantly reduce the waiting period of results to come back from the laboratories far away from the cattle posts thereby saving farmers the heartache of anticipation.

Delivering a speech during a stakeholder seminar to present progress on the research findings of the kit, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele said Ngamiland was one of the many areas hardest hit by FMD outbreaks hence BITRI made significant advances in producing an innovative solution.

He said when the kit is ready, it should be able to detect FMD in an animal within 25 minutes on site and immediately assist in monitoring the disease. He said in a time of tremendous challenges presented by re-emergence of infectious disease such FMD, it was crucial to develop innovative detection measures to combat the diseases.

Furthermore, he said FMD is highly contagious disease and is globally recognized as a significant epidemic disease with a potential to decimate the cattle industry into oblivion. Dr Madigele appreciated the stakeholder meeting organized by BITRI noting that it would go a long way  in helping the government to collaboratively deal with the threat that FMD poses to ordinary Batswana livelihoods through fruitful deliberations and sharing of ideas.

He also acknowledged efforts by the government to combat FMD including cordoning off areas affected by the disease to control the spread with fences.

“You are testimonies to adverse impact of this disease on your livelihoods. Unfortunately we continue to struggle with this disease as we do not exist in isolation from our neighbours,” he added.

The minister pointed out that not only beef and its by-products are Botswana’s export earner after diamonds noting that the national herd is also national wealth and prestige. He said government would continue to assist the nation in line with the President’s pledge card of eradicating poverty by protecting and safe guarding the heritage and local economic activities.

Dr Madigele said Botswana Meat Commission operations are frequently disrupted by any recurring FMD outbreak which adversely affects the sales to the European and other international markets and the country’s ability to earn the much needed foreign exchange revenues.BOPA