The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has revised movement restrictions after the ongoing surveillance has not detected Foot and Mouth disease cases outside disease control zones of 3c and 6b covering parts of the Central and North-East districts.
In a press release, the ministry updated that movement of live cloven-hoofed animals into, out of and within zones 3c, 6a and 6b remains prohibited until further notice.
Movement of live cloven-hoofed animals into, out of zones 3b and 7 also remain prohibited except for direct slaughter and registered slaughter facility within the two zones until further notice.
It also indicated that movement of fresh cloven-hoofed animals derived products (meat, fresh milk) out of zones 3b, 3c 6b and 7 remains prohibited except into and within a zone without a permit.
Furthermore, movement of fresh cloven-hoofed animals derived products (meat, fresh milk) out of zone 6a remains prohibited except into zones 6b and 3c which is allowed without a veterinary movement permit.
“Movement into zone 6a is allowed under without a veterinary movement permit. Direct movement of cloven-hoofed derived fresh products between zones 6b and 3cis allowed without a veterinary movement permit,” read the statement.
The ministry further announced that the transit of cloven hoofed derived fresh products through zones 3b, 3c, 6a, 6b and 7 is allowed in sealed containers or trucks under veterinary movement permit.
“Movement of livestock feeds, trophies, skins and hooves out of zones 6a6b and 3c remains prohibited, except milled or processed livestock feeds from 6a. Movement restrictions on live cloven-hoofed animals and their derived fresh products in zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, and 13 have been lifted,” the ministry added.
It also noted that import and export including transit of cloven-hoofed animals, derived fresh products and animal feeds is allowed subject to import and export conditions with effect of the 4th March, 2026.
Additionally, movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their derived fresh products within and into zones 1 and 2 is allowed. “Movement of cloven hoofed derived fresh products is allowed from zone 2 and 1 in sealed containers or trucks under veterinary permit”
Farmers, members of the public and stakeholders have since been urged to comply with the revised disease prevention measures, remain vigilant and report any signs of illegal in livestock to the nearest Department of Veterinary Services or Botswana Police Services offices.
Meanwhile the ministry has indicated that the first round of FMD vaccination of cattle in zones 6b and zone 3c was successfully completed. It revealed that booster vaccination which commenced this past Sunday is expected to be completed by March., 17th, 2026.
