Government free livestock movement and consumption.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) on Friday announced that the slaughter of livestock for local consumption on social occasions such as weddings and funerals will now be allowed. 

In an update made late Friday, the government announced that movement of fresh milk for pasteurisation under supervision of dairy officers is also permitted. The statement follows the reported incursion of a buffalo at Moreane crush in Lotlhakane East, near Kanye early this past week. 

Following the incursion, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) banned the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products in, out and within Zone 11 to avert a possible outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). 

Subsequent to the imposition of movement in Zone 11, through a press release on April 12th 2016, the ministry of agriculture says cooked meats, processed meats and matured deboned beef are allowed into and out of the zone. 

The director of DVS Letlhogile Modisa said Friday that other movement restrictions remain in force. 

In an earlier press address, held on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Boipolelo Khumomatlhare noted that the sighting of a buffalo in the Zone 11 area has necessitated the imposition of movement standstill in the zone. 

“Exports of beef to all trading partners have been suspended with immediate effect. Trading partners (regional e.g. RSA and international e.g. European Union) have been notified and would be updated accordingly once investigations are concluded. “ 

Khumomatlhare explained that his ministry received a report from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks on April 11th 2016, that some farmers had spotted animals suspected to be buffaloes around Moreane crush of Letlhakane East extension area in Southern District near Kanye village on April 10th 2016. 

“I am happy to inform you that the Botswana Police and Department of Wildlife and National Parks moved swiftly on April 10th 2016 upon receipt of reports of suspected buffalo sightings, to mount search teams.

Department of Veterinary Services officials joined the search on April 11th 2016 and before end of the day one (1) buffalo had been located and gunned down.