Batswana urged to improve cooperation to combat Foot and Mouth Disease

The spread of Foot and Mouth Disease FMD in southern Botswana highlights a critical need for increased public cooperation, according to an editorial. The situation has reached a point where prisoners are being asked to assist in building fences, signaling a strain on government resources and a lack of public adherence to preventative measures. This echoes the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where non-compliance led to significant economic and social costs. Acting Minister of Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti has appealed to farmers to implement basic measures, such as using tree branches to close border gaps, allowing veterinary officers onto their land for inspections, and reporting suspicious animal movements. However, some farmers have reportedly chased away officers or moved their cattle out of containment zones before restrictions are enforced. The editorial emphasizes that such actions are not only foolish but also a betrayal of farmers who are diligently following protocols, as a single infected animal can spread poverty nationwide.