Zimbabwe and Botswana have strengthened their cross-border animal health partnership after jointly vaccinating more than 72 000 cattle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Matabeleland South Province.
The five-day campaign targeted livestock in high-risk border communities where frequent movement of cattle between the two countries increases the threat of disease outbreaks.
Veterinary teams focused on Beitbridge, Gwanda, Mangwe and Matobo districts, areas that have previously recorded cases of FMD.
The vaccination exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by both governments to protect farmers, secure livestock production and prevent disruptions to regional trade caused by animal disease outbreaks.
Botswana donates FMD vaccines to Zimbabwe
As reported by The Chronicle, Botswana supplied Zimbabwe with 100 000 doses of FMD vaccine to support the programme.
Authorities vaccinated 72 227 cattle out of a target of 78 034 animals during the latest round of the campaign.
Officials said the exercise achieved more than 90 percent coverage, a figure veterinary authorities described as a major success in efforts to contain the disease before it spreads further.
Matabeleland South provincial veterinary director Dr Enat Mdlongwa said cooperation between the two neighbouring countries remains critical in controlling diseases that move easily across borders.
“The foot-and-mouth vaccination campaign is a bilateral programme involving the governments of Zimbabwe and Botswana,” said Dr Mdlongwa.
“We collaborated in a bid to control transboundary diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease.”
Border districts remain vulnerable
Authorities consider districts along the Zimbabwe-Botswana border highly vulnerable because of communal grazing systems and regular livestock movement.
Wildlife corridors in some parts of Matabeleland South also increase the risk of transmission between domestic animals and wild species.
Zimbabwe recorded sporadic outbreaks of FMD in recent years, including a case in Mangwe earlier this year that forced veterinary authorities to impose quarantine measures and tighten disease surveillance.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.
Once outbreaks occur, authorities often restrict livestock movement, close cattle markets and suspend exports of livestock-related products.
Farmers face economic pressure during FMD outbreaks
Livestock diseases continue to threaten farmers’ incomes across Southern Africa.
Many rural households depend heavily on cattle for income, farming and household security.
When outbreaks occur, farmers often struggle to sell livestock or access formal markets, resulting in financial losses and disruptions to broader agricultural supply chains.
Botswana embassy representative Banabotlhe Kesianye Mello said the campaign demonstrates strong relations between the two countries and highlights the importance of regional cooperation in responding to livestock diseases.
“The campaign is an important step towards containing the spread of FMD and strengthening animal health systems in our region,” she said.
Second FMD vaccination phase planned
Authorities said the remaining vaccine doses will be used during the second phase of the campaign expected next month.
Zimbabwe continues to intensify vaccination drives, border surveillance and disease monitoring as part of wider efforts to protect the national herd and restore confidence in the livestock sector.
