27 Apr 2026

Residents of Makopong have been assured that Zone 13, which the village falls within, remains free from the Foot and Mouth Disease, a status critical to safeguarding the livestock industry, which plays a significant role in household livelihoods and the national economy.

Tsabong District commissioner, Mr Levis Thupa, commended farmers and residents of Makopong for their vigilance in reinforcing the border fence separating Botswana and South Africa where FMD was first detected.

Mr Thupa was addressing a kgotla meeting in Makopong and condemned those who crossed the border fence into South Africa, at undesignated areas as that puts the zone in danger.

Farmers were cautioned that cross-border grazing and stray animals could easily come into contact with infected livestock, thereby increasing the likelihood of introducing the disease into the zone.

To maintain a disease-free status, Mr Thupa announced the introduction of strict control measures, including search stops across the zone.

Principal veterinary officer, Dr Tshepang Moeng, explained that plans were underway to reinforce a cordon fence around Zone 13, to restrict animal movement.

Controlling animal movement remains one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks.

Farmers were encouraged to use animal tags together with the region’s branding, N13 to make it easier to track and differentiate their livestock from those of other zones.

Zone 13 Farmers Committee chairperson, Mr Michael Hambira, said they had cleared trees along the fence to allow for easy patrols.

He appealed for government’s assistance, noting that the committee had been relying on their own limited resources. ends