28 Jan 2026

Zone 6B has registered suspected cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at the Jackalas 1 crush in the Tsamaya Extension Area in the North East District. 
A press release from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has consequently imposed immediate movement restrictions of all cloven-hoofed animals in the area and has also revoked all permits, which had been issued. 
“The movement of all cloven-hoofed animals is prohibited, except within Disease Control Zone 2 (Ngamiland and Okavango) and Zone 1 (Chobe). 
All issued permits are revoked with immediate effect,” the release says. 
The ministry has also announced prohibitions on movement of livestock feeds, trophies, skins, hooves and fresh products, including meat and fresh milk, from cloven-hoofed animals between zones, out of Zones 6B, 3C (Maitengwe), 3B and 7. 
It has also suspended the export and importation of cloven-hoofed animals and their fresh products and the associated permits that have been issued are similarly revoked with immediate effect. 
The press statement states however that the importation of processed products including pasteurised milk, UHT milk, and cooked products is allowed. 
The ministry requests farmers to take care of their animals by herding and kraaling them to prevent them from straying into other districts or neighbouring countries. 
Farmers are also encouraged to ensure that cattle are fully identified with BAITS ear tags, zonal and owner brands, as well as to cooperate with government officials carrying out further disease investigations, to prevent the potential spread of the disease. 
The ministry urges farmers, members of the public and stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in livestock to the nearest offices of the Department of Veterinary Service or to the Botswana Police Service. ENDS