Botswana on High Alert as Suspected Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Rocks Rural Communities in Zone 6B

Botswana's Struggle with Foot and Mouth Disease Continues

The country has been grappling with the outbreak for several years, with the disease having a devastating impact on its cattle industry. In 2018, a FMD outbreak in the western regions led to the destruction of thousands of livestock, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers and herders.

The Kalahari region, where Zone 6B is located, has historically been a hotspot for FMD due to its unique geography. The area's vast expanses of open grasslands and scattered settlements make it challenging for authorities to monitor livestock movements and detect early warning signs of outbreaks.

International organizations are taking notice, with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) issuing a statement calling for increased cooperation between Botswana and its regional partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The implications of this latest FMD outbreak are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional trade, animal health, and human livelihoods.