05 Jun 2022

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has endorsed Botswana’s programme for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

A press release from the Ministry of Agriculture says the endorsement is an accomplishment in the fight against the highly contagious disease. It says FMD causes high morbidity rates in livestock and significant economic losses.

It says the recognition reflects the level of transparency and the quality of the country’s veterinary services, ultimately contributing to the value of the livestock sector.

The media release says the WOAH acknowledges the quality of the country’s strategic approach in tackling FMD. 

Therefore, because of the endorsement, the release says the ministry will be instrumental in helping the Department of Veterinary Services get increased support and resources from government to catalyse the implementation of programmes that progressively and effectively control FMD.

It says applications for official animal health status recognition and control programme endorsement are reviewed by the WOAH annually through a detailed scientific process. 

“This is to evaluate the sanitary measures in place and compliance of the member states with the WOAH international standards,” says the press release. ends