Botswana has been hit by a foot and mouth disease outbreak in cattle in its Ngamiland district.
The country has banned the export of meat from this area as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.
The World Trade Organisation and other trading partners of Botswana were notified about the outbreak on Tuesday.
The country has filed details of the outbreak with the World Trade Organisation.
Details of outbreak notification
Officials from the department of Veterinary Services said they found five animals with signs of the disease in the north of the country.
The published notification said “As a result of these findings the slaughter and movement of all cloven hoofed animals and their fresh products within and out of the Sehithwa, Toteng, Bodibeng, Kareng and Semboyo extension areas are suspended until further notice”.
Ngamiland district of northern Botswana shares bordering with neighboring Southern African countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is being done?
Officials have said that vaccinations is ongoing in the affected area to ensure that the spread is contained.
The document further said “Export of all meat products from export slaughter and processing plants produced in the last 30 days is suspended.”
Foot and mouth disease in animals is highly contagious and fatal disease. It affects animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo and pigs.
Source: Africafeeds.com
