Fears Grow Over Damaged Codon Fence as Foot and Mouth Disease Threatens Botswana’s Livestock Industry

Article By: Diana Motsu

Residents of Good Hope Mmathete Constituency have raised concerns over a damaged codon fence, fearing it could allow the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from neighbouring South Africa.

Speaking  during a recent Kgotla meeting in Mabule village , community members highlighted that the damaged fence jeopardizes efforts to control the disease, which could severely impact Botswana's livestock industry and its access to international markets.

Meanwhile Ministry of lands and agriculture  Permanent Secretary Kabelo Ebineng warned that the fence's damage not only increases the risk of FMD but also heightens border fence crimes. He added that FMD does not need to be reported for the Botswana Meat Commission to close, as per European Union standards.