Botswana tightens livestock movement controls amid suspected FMD cases

BOTSWANA – Botswana is tightening livestock movement controls following suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in Kgatleng District, with authorities relying on the Botswana Animal Information and Traceability System (BAITS) to support livestock identification and disease control.

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture said on September 4 that it had detected suspected FMD cases at several crushes in the Oodi and Mochudi extension areas.

The government has prohibited livestock movements in Disease Control Zone 11, except within the designated containment area, and has introduced additional restrictions in Zones 3, 8, 9 and 10.

The measures require livestock movements to comply with animal identification, traceability, veterinary checks and other disease-control requirements.

Traceability supports FMD response

BAITS provides veterinary authorities with livestock registration, ownership and movement records, helping them track animals and support disease-control measures.

Botswana is also transitioning from BAITS2 to BAITS3, an upgraded livestock information system designed to strengthen animal registration and traceability.

The platform allows livestock owners to register animals, record ownership transfers and arrivals, report deaths and update veterinary information.

Farmers have been urged to maintain accurate livestock records and ensure animals carry required identification, including ear tags and brands.

The digital system forms part of Botswana’s wider FMD-control framework, which includes zoning, vaccination, quarantine, surveillance and livestock movement restrictions.

Lands and Agriculture Minister Edwin Dikoloti described livestock traceability as a primary defence against FMD in June, noting that accurate animal identification helps authorities localise disease risks within specific control zones.

The latest suspected cases highlight the importance of livestock traceability as veterinary authorities work to identify potentially affected animals and limit disease spread.

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