11 May 2026

The Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, says at 83 per cent vaccination coverage rate in Zone 6B South, the figure was the lowest among all the zones.

He said Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination rates were higher in other areas, with Zone 6B North at 95 per cent and Zone 3C at 100 per cent.

Dr Dikoloti made the remarks during a kgotla meeting in Matsiloje, where he encouraged farmers in Zone 6B South, to adhere to animal disease control measures issued by the Department of Veterinary Services to fight Foot and Mouth Disease.

 He emphasised that vaccination played a vital role in the fight against FMD and therefore, it was crucial for farmers to ensure their livestock was vaccinated.

Dr Dikoloti, informed farmers that this was the first time Botswana experienced multiple outbreaks simultaneously.

He said fighting FMD required collaborations and not excuses.

“It started in Zone 6B Jackalas, then 3C, and Zone 11. This has really changed our lives. It is a tough situation, but we remain hopeful that we will manage this through collaboration and the responsibility of all,” he said.

The Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale, also appealed to the farmers in Zone 6B South to follow and adhere to precautions from the veterinary services department.

Dr Segale warned those who went against the laid down protocols that they such should not happen.

Meanwhile, Matsiloje Farmers Committee chairperson, Mr Ellias Majama, said they were doing their best to fight the disease but were faced with resource shortage.

He appealed to the minister to augment their efforts by engaging law enforcement officers to assist with patrolling the cordon fence, and to also engage with his Zimbabwe counterpart on how best to protect the fence from vandalism. ENDS