Botswana - Foot and mouth disease virus

On 25 May 2011, two animals were reported by a farmer at Ramokgwebana crush with a history of salivation and lameness. On investigation by the FMD Emergency Alert Team, lesions were confirmed to be consistent with foot and mouth disease lesions.

The outbreak occurred in a communal area in Selibe Phikwe district (zone 7). Cases were confirmed based on foot and oral lesions normally associated with the disease.
Zone 7 is an OIE stand-alone zone (FMD-free without vaccination) from the rest of other zones in Botswana; therefore, an outbreak of FMD in zone 7 does not have effect on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals in the rest of the country.

Movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their derived fresh products out of zone 7 were under restriction.

A complete movement ban of all cloven-hoofed animals and their fresh products has been instituted with immediate effect within and into zone 7. All cattle slaughter or abattoirs in zone 7 are closed with immediate effect.

Extensive surveillance is ongoing to determine the extent of disease spread in the district. Farmers and general public have been made to be vigilant and report any cattle with suspicious lesions to nearby veterinary authority. Biosecurity measures have been put in place.