South Africa and Botswana Launch Joint Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive

Department of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently led a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination and awareness campaign in Swartkopfontein near Zeerust, supported by the Botswana Government Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Onneetse Ramogapi, North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Mayor Khumalo Molefe, local municipality leadership, and the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NWHTKL). Zeerust, located along the Botswana border, is a vital livestock corridor where cattle often cross between the two countries, heightening the risk of cross-border infection and disease transmission. The joint campaign aimed to strengthen collaboration between South Africa and Botswana, develop coordinated prevention measures, and implement strategies to control cattle movement while reducing Foot-and-Mouth Disease infection rates. The initiative combined vaccination efforts with awareness programs, ensuring that farmers, traditional leaders, and communities understood the importance of early detection and preventive measures.

The campaign involved extensive engagement with local farmers and community members to promote best practices in livestock management. Mobile vaccination units were deployed to reach cattle herds in remote areas, providing protection against the disease while minimizing disruption to farming operations. Information sessions were held to educate farmers on identifying symptoms, reporting outbreaks promptly, and implementing biosecurity measures on farms. The coordinated approach emphasized the need for vigilance along the border, as unmanaged cattle movement can quickly spread the disease, threatening both livestock health and regional food security. By combining vaccination with awareness and monitoring, the initiative addressed immediate threats while laying the foundation for long-term disease prevention.

Kgosi OTS Maotwe, Chairperson of the NWHTKL, expressed gratitude for the government-led initiative, highlighting the value of collaboration between authorities and local communities. As a farmer himself, Kgosi Maotwe acknowledged the role of government in safeguarding livestock, protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and supporting the wellbeing of border communities. His remarks underscored the broader social and economic importance of preventing Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks, which can severely disrupt production, income, and food supply. The engagement also strengthened ties between traditional leaders, municipal authorities, and government departments, ensuring that local knowledge is integrated into regional disease management strategies. This partnership demonstrates how community involvement enhances the effectiveness of public health interventions for livestock.

The Swartkopfontein vaccination drive is part of a larger regional effort to mitigate Foot-and-Mouth Disease across Southern Africa. Coordinated measures include monitoring cattle movements, sharing disease surveillance data, and harmonizing vaccination schedules between countries. Farmers benefit from this approach by reducing herd losses, improving animal health, and maintaining market access for livestock and related products. Government agencies and traditional leadership structures work together to provide guidance, training, and resources that empower farmers to implement preventive practices consistently. These efforts ensure that both immediate outbreaks and long-term disease risks are addressed comprehensively.

This joint South African and Botswana initiative highlights the critical role of regional cooperation in protecting livestock and supporting rural communities. By combining vaccination campaigns with awareness programs, authorities aim to reduce infection rates, safeguard farmer livelihoods, and strengthen food security along the border. The engagement of traditional leaders, municipal authorities, and farmers ensures that interventions are practical, culturally sensitive, and widely adopted. As Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains a persistent threat, continued collaboration and proactive management will be essential in preventing outbreaks and promoting sustainable livestock farming in the region. The Swartkopfontein campaign sets a model for coordinated disease control that benefits both countries and their border communities.