09 Feb 2026

The Vice President, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe has emphasised Botswana’s commitment to transparency in reporting disease outbreaks, specifically the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Jackalas No. 1 on Friday, Mr Gaolathe said this transparency installed trust with countries Botswana exported meat to, particularly in the European market.

“In doing so, Botswana is installing trust to those which it sells meat to, especially the European markets,” he said.

He contrasted this approach with other countries that do not disclose disease outbreaks, highlighting the benefits of Botswana’s openness.

Mr Gaolathe also Minister of Finance stressed the need for community involvement in preventing the FMD spread; in the same breath commending residents of Zone 6b for helping maintain disease control fences and patrolling the border line.

He said government had allocated P97 million for vaccination efforts, and applauded residents for vaccinating their cattle, with nearly 7,000 animals vaccinated in Zone 6b so far.

He urged residents to report any FMD symptoms and adhere to movement restrictions, warning against secretly moving cattle from infected areas.

He said the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture faced a shortage of animal health experts, but he however praised its efforts to maintain disease control fences and patrol the border lines.

Mr Gaolathe also said due to financial constraints, government would not compensate butchery owners for lost sales resulting from the FMD outbreak, explaining that because of their high numbers, compensating them was not feasible.

He warned about stray animals, saying they posed a risk of spreading the disease as they were not controlled.

Commenting, residents raised the proposal that government previously made to extend the use of identity cards for cross-border travel to Zimbabwe, an idea that was previously met with resistance.

They observed that the move would potentially curb illegal border crossing and therefore help in preventing the spread of livestock diseases, especially FMD. A resident, Mr Busane Salani from Siviya supported the idea, citing its relevance now.

Mr Salani also suggested opening another border gate between Ramokgwebana and Matsiloje to ease access and address the temptation for some to cross the border at ungazetted points.

Other residents, like Ms Francinah Budani, secretary of Jackalas No. 1 Farmers’ Committee, and Mr Moses Mbengwa, who reported FMD symptoms, thanked government for opting to vaccinate cattle over culling.

Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti emphasised collaboration and adherence to veterinary advice as key to stopping the disease.

“Only working together and adhering to the advice of the veterinary department can stop this disease,” he said. BOPA