Botha-Bothe, Mar. 20— Animals confirmed to be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) are still kept by their owners due to the absence of quarantine facilities in the district.
This was revealed by a veterinary doctor from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Ms Lineo Lepolesa, during a Heads of Departments meeting. She said that to date, 42 animals have been confirmed to have contracted the virus in the villages of Mahlekefane, Kaonyana, Ha Sello and Ha Rampai.
“We acknowledge that the virus continues to spread because people do not adhere to regulations restricting the movement of animals and fail to follow the prescribed precautionary measures,” she said.
Ms Lepolesa indicated that the disease was first confirmed in Botha-Bothe between February 18 and 19, 2026, and has since spread to six districts. She appealed to stakeholders to raise awareness among farmers, noting that the disease spreads easily and has no cure.
She cautioned farmers against misinformation, saying there is no general preventive injection for the disease.
“Vaccines are specific to particular virus strains, therefore people should not be misled into believing that there is a universal preventive injection,” she said.
Ms Lepolesa explained that symptoms in sheep, goats and pigs include sores on the hooves, leading to difficulty in walking. In cattle, symptoms include sores on the hooves, mouth and nose, excessive salivation, and loss of appetite.
She noted that although symptoms usually subside after three to four weeks, strict precautions must still be observed.
She added that meat and milk from affected animals can be consumed only after thorough cooking or boiling.
Ms Lepolesa further indicated that managing the disease is costly, as it requires the establishment of quarantine kraals in every district, as well as provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizers to curb the spread.
District Disaster Manager, Ms Mojabeng Mohloki, emphasized the need for intensified awareness campaigns across the district. She said the District Disaster Management Team remains available to assist in efforts to contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the ministry continues to hold public gatherings, particularly in affected villages, to educate communities about the disease and preventive measures.
Ends/MAJL
