26 September 2006

2 minute read

Africa

This suspension comes at a time when farmers from Ngamiland had resolved to send a delegation of 10 people to meet President Festus Mogae to seek a detailed explanation regarding the suspension slapped on the slaughter of Ngamiland cattle at Francistown abattoir for non- EU market though their area was not affected by the foot and mouth disease (FMD) found in the Bobonong areas this year.

The suspension took effect at the time of the FMD outbreak in the Bobonong area this year.

A press release from the department says cattle farmers from Ngamiland, Boteti and other non-EU zones can now take their cattle into Makalamabedi, Shorobe, Nokaneng, Kgomokgwana quarantines for slaughter at BMC from October from 6 11.
Director of Animal Health and Production Musa Fanikiso said in an interview that his department would allow the cattle from these areas because it was clear that foot and mouth disease was under control.

Fanikiso said that was why the department called South African experts to inspect measures Botswana had put in place to control the disease. South Africa is one of the biggest markets for non-EU zones.

He added that the department expected a positive outcome from South African experts who were due to make a decision in two weeks on whether to allow beef from non-Eu regions to be sold in that country.

Farmers are urged to take advantage of the good grazing to enter as many cattle as possible in quarantine camps. BOPA

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