26 Mar 2026

In an effort to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) along the Trans Kalahari Corridor, the Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) convened a two day FMD awareness campaign aimed at identifying ways to harmonise protocols and ensure compliance among member states in Gaborone Wednesday.

The secretariat executive director, Mr Leslie Mpofu, said FMD continued to disrupt trade flows within the corridor since the disease had significantly affected movement of live animals, meat, and dairy products across member states. Mr Mpofu emphasised the need for harmonised protocols across borders, adding that the awareness campaign should be visible and intensive, to effectively prevent the spread of the disease.

“It is cheaper to prevent than to control,” he said.

He further stated that a task team comprising Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa personnel would spearhead the FMD campaign.

Presenting on the FMD situation in Botswana, veterinarian from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Olorato Tshireletso, said the disease was currently confined to Zones 6B and 3C. He noted that, in addition to vaccination efforts, risk-based active surveillance was ongoing in other parts of the country. No FMD cases have been detected along the corridor in the Kgalagadi area, Dr Tshireletso said.

He identified lack of cooperation among affected countries as one of the major challenges in combating FMD and also pointed out that non-compliance to established protocols remained a concern.

Furthermore, Dr Tshireletso said the spread of FMD was exacerbated by illegal activities such as crossing at unauthorised points, unlawful movement of livestock, and both internal and transboundary livestock theft. He added that cross-border movement between adjacent villages also contributed to the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Mr Molemi Moreosele, from Mafikeng Municipality in South Africa said vaccination efforts were ongoing in his country, although there were challenges due to vaccine shortages, with some supplies sourced from Turkey and Botswana.

Mr Moreosele also revealed that several livestock auctions had been suspended, and recently 36 FMD cases were reported in Dinokana near Lobatse and Zeerust. He stressed that harmonised protocols among countries would promote adherence to common standards and strengthen disease control efforts.

The main objectives of the workshop were to develop a visible public awareness campaign to prevent and control FMD, harmonise biosecurity protocols across countries, align messaging to strengthen regional coordination, and foster compliance among road users and cross-border traders.

The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat facilitates the movement of goods and people along the corridor by simplifying and harmonising the requirements and controls governing cross-border trade and travel. BOPA