25 Jun 2026

Ghanzi District is not exempt from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) risks, as confirmed by extensive surveillance recently conducted across the area.

As a result, strict biosecurity measures remain in place. These include movement restrictions, a ban on slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals and intensified disease surveillance.

Briefing the ongoing full council session, Ghanzi District Council Chairperson Mr Thabiso Kebadile said inspections were carried out at crushes, feedlots, fenced farms and communal areas. The focus was the intensive surveillance zone along the Kuke cordon fence, where more than 11 000 cattle, along with goats and sheep, were checked.

“I am pleased to report that no signs of FMD were detected within the district,” Kebadile said.

He cited the latest Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) update of June 01, which showed outbreaks in Zones 3C and 6B have been successfully suppressed. Controlled movement of fresh cloven-hoofed animal products is now permitted under strict permit conditions, but restrictions remain in force in Zones 11, 12 and 13.

“This shows FMD remains a serious national concern,” Kebadile said, urging continued vigilance and strict adherence to control measures.

He said Kuke cordon fence separating Ngamiland and Ghanzi Districts was patrolled by DVS, the Police and the Special Support Group to ensure compliance. However, Mr Kebadile said increased elephant movement was causing significant damage.

He said marauding elephants frequently cross between zones in search of water and grazing, creating openings that allowed livestock to move freely and raise the risk of disease transmission.

The most affected stretches are between Kuke and Qabo Gate, and between Qabo Gate and Mokaukau Gate. 

Despite repair efforts, the damage now exceeded routine maintenance capacity, he said. The 75km section between Qabo Gate and Mokaukau Gate requires substantial resources for rehabilitation, while the 40km stretch between Tsau Gate and Kilo 80 needs complete reconstruction.

Mr Kebadile commended Sandfire Mine for infrastructure improvements at Kuke Veterinary Gate, carried out by Senkgakozi Company. Upgrades included reconstructed vehicle decontamination pools, gate office renovations, solar power lights, air conditioning, electrical systems, two inspection shelters, and public footwear decontamination facilities.

“Through collective efforts, we can protect our livestock industry and safeguard our economy,” he said.

Giving an update on FMD, Department of Veterinary Services Director, Dr Kobedi Segale said teams were working around the clock to contain outbreaks saying  surveillance operations and vaccinations were ongoing in affected areas.

He cautioned that failure to remain vigilant could undermine efforts to increase the national herd and delay recovery of green zone status.

Ghanzi West ward Councillor Mr Modise Madumane said restrictions have hit farmers hard, with livelihoods stalled and debts accumulating.

While Kuke Councillor Thebe Tlotlego proposed a securely controlled quarantine camp to act as a centralised selling point between farmers and the Botswana Meat Commission. He said the strategy, under secure protocols, would help the economy thrive. ENDS