The Botswana government, through the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, has banned the importation of live cloven-hoofed animals from neighbouring South Africa with immediate effect.
In a statement on Monday evening, Director-General of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Letlhogile Oarabile said the move was in response to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kwazulu Natal Province. Said Oarabile:
As a result, the following import restrictions are imposed on live cloven-hoofed animals and their products:
- The importation of live cloven-hoofed animals and their fresh products from South Africa is banned.
- The movement of such animals and their products originating from South Africa and transiting through Botswana is also not allowed.
- The importation of veldt grass, bedding and manure contaminated products and vehicles are also not allowed.
- The ban is with immediate effect and until further notice.
- All permits issued with respect to the above products are cancelled with immediate effect.
The public will be updated on new developments regarding this situation.
According to the World Organisation for Human Health, Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
It is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) that deeply affect the production of livestock and disrupting regional and international trade in animals and animal products.