Botswana on Monday revealed that it has resumed export of beef from areas declared free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) to the European Union (EU) which has tougher import restrictions.
Following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in one of its disease control zones in the northeast of the country, Botswana suspended beef exports.
The acting director at the Department of Veterinary Services, Kefentse Motshegwa informed farmers and stakeholders that the suspension of export of beef to the European Union (EU) has been lifted.
“Exports to the EU will be permitted from zones 4b, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13. 3. Exports will not be permitted from zones 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4a, 6a and 7,” said Motshegwa.
Motshegwa reminded farmers of the requirements for exporting to the EU.
“Farmers are reminded of the requirements for exporting to the EU namely; The holding is located within a territory (BW-1, BW-2, BW-3 etc) listed for export to the EU. The holding is approved for production of beef to the EU, C,” said Motshegwa.
He said all animals in the holding are identified with BAITS ear tags and are registered in BAITS, animals have been resident in the holding in the last 40 days, and up-to-date records are kept including medications administered to animals. “The holding was audited by Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the last 6 months. Farmers are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious clinical signs suggestive of foot and mouth disease (FMD) such as excessive salivation and lameness,” said Motshegwa.
