05 May 2026

Ministry of Lands and Agriculture says movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products from Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) Lobatse, is allowed within zone 11 without a permit, and to the rest of the country under permit and seal.

A press release from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture states that export of cloven-hoofed derived products is allowed subject to import requirements of the importing country, while import of cloven-hoofed derived products is also allowed subject to import requirements.

Meanwhile government maintains movement restrictions in Zones 11, 12 and 13 in an effort to control the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Additionally, movement of all cloven-hoofed animals remains prohibited in Zones 11,12 and 13 and the prohibition includes transport or slaughter of cloven hoofed animals for personal use or social events such as weddings, and funerals.

The Press release further states movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products from FMD free zones such as 4a and 3b as well as registered free compartments is allowed into zones 11, 12 and 13 under permit and seal. In addition, movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products is allowed within a zone without a movement permit.

The ministry also states that the hunting of cloven-hoofed wild animals is not allowed and that transit of cloven hoofed derived fresh products from FMD free zones and registered FMD free compartments through zones 11,12 and 13 is allowed in sealed containers or trucks under veterinary movement permit.

At present, movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products out of the containment zone is not allowed while movement of livestock feeds, trophies, skins and hooves, out of zones 3c-Dukwi, 3c- Maitengwe, 4b, 5, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12 and 13 remain prohibited, except milled feed or treated by-products.

The revision of movement restrictions currently in place will be considered after the second round vaccination of cattle in the containment zones which is planned to start 28 days after completion of the first round of vaccination, and also after the elapse of two incubation periods from the last FMD case documented.

The release urges farmers, members of the public and stakeholders to comply with the revised disease prevention measures, remain vigilant and report any signs of illness in livestock to the nearest Department of Veterinary Service or Botswana Police Service offices. ENDS