The Department of Veterinary Services wishes to inform the general public and farming community of a suspected outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) at Butale Syndicate cattlepost in Matsiloje Extension area in Veterinary Disease Control zone 6.  Numerous cases of sick animals in about three hundred (300) cattle have so far been reported showing feet and oral lesions normally associated with the disease. Collection of samples for laboratory testing at the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) is ongoing.

As a result of this suspected outbreak, a complete countrywide movement ban of all cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, antelopes & pigs) and their derived fresh products is hereby instituted with immediate effect.  All cattle slaughter facilities including export abattoirs are closed with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, veterinary officials throughout the country are conducting surveillance to determine the extent of disease spread.  Farmers are urged to cooperate with veterinary officials and bring their cattle for inspection.  Farmers who have within the last 30 days moved cloven-hoofed animals out of zone 6 should report to the nearest veterinary office to enable immediate inspection of those animals.  Farmers are urged to be vigilant and report any cattle showing suspicious lesions to nearby veterinary and police offices.

The public will be kept informed of further developments on this matter.