The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has imposed a country wide suspension of livestock imports, exports of fresh meat and raw animal products from Botswana.
“Imports of all FMD susceptible animals, their raw products and other potentially infectious materials such as straw, forage, lucerne and other livestock feed from Botswana has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice. All previously issued Veterinary Import permits are hereby canceled and re-called,” said Chief Veterinary Officer, Albertina Shilongo.
She, however, said the intransit of raw livestock products and livestock feed through Botswana intended for Namibia or in transit through Namibia will be allowed,” provided that transporting vehicles are sealed in the respective exporting countries and the seals remain intact while conveying through Botswana.”
The developments in Botswana comes after South Africa took similar steps earlier this month to combat an outbreak of the highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals.
Botswana exports approximately 9,000 tonnes of beef to the European Union and 10,000 tonnes to South Africa.
Botswana, along with South Africa and Namibia, are among the largest beef exporters to the EU.
Furthermore, due to persistent drought spells and disease outbreaks, it is reported that Botswana’s cattle population has fallen to 2 million from 3.1 million 10 years ago.
