24 Jul 2018

The spread of animal diseases in Ngamiland has been blamed on the dilapidated state of the protection zone fence in the area.

In an interview with BOPA, Kgosi Paul Mbaeva of Bodibeng decried poor maintenance of the fence running from North East District to Ngamiland up to the Namibian border.

He said the dilapidated fence contributed to the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Ngamiland and called on the relevant ministry to fast track its maintenance.

Kgosi Mbaeva said there was free movement of cattle and wildlife because the fence was down which frustrated efforts to control the disease. 

This followed the recent suspected outbreak of FMD in Naune in the Sehithwa extension area which has resulted in the suspension of the movement and slaughter of all cloven hoofed animals within and out of Sehithwa, Toteng, Bodibeng, Kareng and Semboyo.

Kgosi Mbaeva said this was frustrating because FMD outbreaks crippled the beef industry on which residents depended for a living.

The protection zone, he said,  was meant to separate green zones from red zone but was not serving its purpose because of poor maintenance.

He suggested that the fence be patrolled to ensure proper management and maintenance.

Kgosi Mbaeva said FMD had impoverished farmers but also blamed cattle farmers for jeopadising the beef industry by failing to vaccinate their animals.

 He pointed out that some farmers failed to bring their cattle during vaccination exercises. ENDS