18 Feb 2026

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has revised movement restrictions imposed due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, effective immediately.

Movement of live cloven-hoofed animals is prohibited between and within Zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, except for direct slaughter at licensed facilities. 

The provision also applies to animals intended for slaughter at social events such as funerals and weddings, which must now take place at licensed slaughter facilities. 

The release further says movement of live cloven-hoofed animals into and out of Zone 7 remains prohibited, except for direct slaughter within the zone until further notice. 

“Similarly, movement into, out of, or within Zones 3b, 3c, 6a and 6b remains prohibited,” states the release. 

It states that the movement of fresh products such as meat and fresh milk is permitted between, within and out of Zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. However, fresh products may not be moved out of Zones 3b, 3c, 6a, 6b and 7. 

Transit of such products through these restricted zones is allowed only in sealed containers or trucks under veterinary permit. 

Export and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their fresh products remain prohibited nationwide, except in Zone 2 where export is permitted, says the release. “Movement of animals and fresh products within and into Zones 1 and 2 is allowed under existing guidelines,” the release adds. 

Authorities have also maintained the prohibition on the movement of livestock feeds, trophies, skins (dikgole) and hooves out of Zones 6b and 3c.

Home slaughter of live cloven-hoofed animals remains strictly prohibited as part of ongoing disease control measures. 

The ministry further alerts farmers to an FMD outbreak in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, which shares a border with Tsabong District. As a precautionary measure, the importation of grasses, including lucerne, has been suspended.

On the other hand, the ministry has confirmed new cases of FMD in the Disease Control Zone 3c however, assured farmers and stakeholders that the outbreak remains contained within Zones 3c and 6b. 

The release states that the disease has been confirmed at Moroka, Kgari, Nlapkhwane and Mulambakwena crushes in Zone 3c. Ongoing surveillance operations have not detected any additional cases outside Zones 3c and 6b. 

On the vaccination progress, the release report significant progress in vaccination efforts. 

“A total of 15 305 cattle have been vaccinated out of a targeted 17 000 in Zone 6b (north of Bisoli Farm) and Zone 3c (east of Shashe River).” 

It further states that a booster vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place 28 days after the initial inoculation to ensure effective immunity among the livestock population. 

Farmers, members of the public and other stakeholders are urged to comply with all disease prevention measures, remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases of illness in livestock to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services or Botswana Police Service office. END