Addressing a full council session in Good Hope on Tuesday, Council Chairperson Mr Gofaone Nkwane said the district had been on high alert since November 2025 when reports emerged from neighbouring South Africa of a Foot and Mouth outbreak.

“The department of veterinary services conducted a passive surveillance in high-risk areas, particularly villages along the border and farms within a 10km radius,” Mr Nkwane said.

The samples were sent to the national laboratory and all came out negative.

To ensure the district remain disease-free, the council has joined forces with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Botswana Police Service, and the Botswana Defense Force to patrol the cordon fence along the border.

Meanwhile, Mr Nkwane warned of a potential diarrhea outbreak in the district, with 79 cases reported in December 2025 and 17 cases reported in January 2026.

The affected areas are Good Hope, Magoriapitse, and Metlobo.

He urged councilors and stakeholders have been urged to strengthen preventative measures to curb the situation. ENDS