15 Sep 2026

The culling of cattle to manage and control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is carried out only after every other measure to curb the spread of the disease has been exhausted.

Speaking at an FMD consultative meeting in Kanye on Friday, the Director of the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale therefore urged farmers to adhere strictly to control measures, including preventing their cattle from crossing the containment fence.

He acknowledged that certain containment measures, such as culling, have a negative impact on farmers and confirmed that there were currently no plans for restocking to those affected.

Dr Segale further clarified that strict FMD control protocols long enforced in the north have helped shield the south from the disease. He called on farmers to take the lead in the fight against FMD, stressing that government alone, even with ample resources, could not eradicate the disease without the full cooperation of livestock owners.

He said if farmers became complacent and fail to actively prevent the spread of FMD, they risked being left with cattle of little commercial value.

Bangwaketse deputy chief, Kgosi Kebapetse Telekelo cautioned that, unlike in previous years when the government restocked livestock for farmers who lost cattle to FMD through culling in the Ngamiland region, the state no longer has ample resources to provide such support in the present day. 

Members of the community raised concerns that the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture had not conducted a proper induction to educate residents about the containment zone, its purpose, and the importance of keeping cattle within its boundaries.

Farmers at the meeting also questioned why the Department of Veterinary Services resorts to culling livestock that stray into the containment zone rather than exploring alternatives such as vaccination and quarantine. ENDS