The disease was first noticed in October last year in Zone 2C, an area north of the Kuke fence that runs more or less in line with Maun at the southern end of the Okavango swamps. But by November, sick animals were identified as far south as Sehithwa where the Mohembo road from Namibia's Kavango region joins the main Maun-Ghanzi road.
In a notice by the Botswana government's Department of Animal Health and Production, all people travelling from south to north are warned that animal products may only be taken into Zone 2 if these are sealed and accompanied by a veterinary permit. No products may leave the area. This is strictly enforced at each of the roadblocks and the closer it gets to the Kuke corridor, the more intense the searches and vehicle spraying becomes.
On a recent trip from Mohembo to Ghanzi, a visitor to Botswana complained when he passed the fifth checkpoint, at three of which his vehicle's wheels and front axle were sprayed with an anti-viral potion leaving a white residue. At the Sehithwe checkpoint, his car was unloaded, an offical got in and methodically searched the inside, while another official searched all the luggage. There was no misunderstanding as to the seriousness with which the Botswana government regards Foot and Mouth. Absolutely zero cloven hoofed animal products are allowed to enter the central areas from the north.
In a communique by the Ghanzi Farmers Association, the vital importance of redmeat production for the Botswana economy also becomes clear. Ghanzi is one of only three areas in Botswana cleared for meat exports to the EU. "The management and control of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) is governed by strict regulations contained in the marketing agreement between Botswana and the European Union. These regulations are very clear in their description of the control of FMD and are implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services" states the communique.
North of the Ghanzi district and south of the Kuke fence is a corridor zone which is a natural barrier to create distance between the area north of the fence, a so-called red zone where foot & mouth occurs naturally, and the Ghanzi district where it does not.
If Foot and Mouth reaches the Ghanzi district, the entire area south of the Kuke fence will be quarantined for three years. This includes areas south of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to as far east as Lobatse on the South African border. The Ghanzi Farmers Association said if this happens, "livestock farmers will not have access to the EU market [for three years]."
The Botswana Meat Company (BMC) will also be quarantined for the same period.
"Both of these actions have serious financial implications on livestock producers as well as BMC. Due to an absence of income this will then result in serious financial implications for local business and communities." Indeed a stern warning.
Foot and Mouth disease is an infection caused by a virus carried by buffaloes and elephants without themselves being affected by it. But it is highly contagious and fatal to cattle, and it can be transferred to humans. Both Namibia and Botswana are reliant on the European Union for a major part, by value of their meat exports.
This is the reason for veterinary cordon fences, or so-called red lines, in both countries, north of these fences Foot and Mouth is occurring naturally and in both countries, there are significant elephant and buffalo populations north of the red lines. The areas south of these fences play a pivotal role in red meat production and in both countries; their export status is diligently guarded.