27 Apr 2026

While government continues to intensify surveillance, vaccination and bio-security enforcement, farmers have been implored to play their part by adopting basic bio-security practices such as kraaling livestock among others.

Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale, said in a meeting addressed by acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti at Mochudi on Friday that the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) will require every farmer to account for their livestock.

He said cattle that stray were the most compromised and at risk as they were at liberty to move willingly into high risk areas and easily contract the contagious disease.

“Let us be more vigilant and adhere to control measures especially because Kgatleng is bordering with South Africa,” he said.

Dr Segale also advised farmers to adhere to FMD protocols as advised by veterinary officers, adding that they should not try to do anything that was not prescribed by experts in an effort to combat it.

“There is no other traditional way to fight FMD,” he said sounding the alarm as some farmers suggested that in the ancient days cattle were treated with traditional medicines.

Dr Segale also advised farmers to brand their livestock for easy identification during this trying times.

Giving an update about FMD, Dr Dikoloti said government has resorted to containment measures and vaccination as among the most effective ways to fight the disease.

He also commended farmers in Kgatleng for augmenting government efforts in the fight against FMD.

Additionally, farmers had assured the minister of their commitment to raise funds toward maintenance of cordon fence.

Dr Dikoloti also informed the meeting that consultation on rezoning Zone 11 was underway. However, he said current focus will be on combating the disease, therefore consultation on demarcating the zone will follow suite. 

Member of Parliament of Kgatleng Central, Mr Mpho Morolong appealed to the business community in Kgatleng to contribute fence and anything handy toward assisting farmers, who have volunteered through syndicates groups to maintain the cordon fence

Additionally, farmers have raised a concern about matimela cattle as they were unaccounted for, especially that most were not branded, jeopardising efforts to contain the disease. ends