destruction of fences by elephants as well as low vaccination coverage which remained a challenge in the DVS’ efforts to control and eradicate the FMD in the country. Additionally, the role of key stakeholders like the farming community remained inadequate in the control of the disease. 

Considering the economic importance of the beef industry in Botswana as well as the costs associated with FMD outbreaks, the OAG is of the view that the DVS needs to strengthen its overall framework for implementation of all the strategies it has devised for controlling FMD. The Department needs to adopt a farmer inclusive approach to FMD control, strengthen its extension outreach and ensure beneficial collaborations with other key stakeholders in the livestock sector to complement its efforts in the control of FMD. The continuous sporadic outbreaks of FMD even in zones designated as FMD free zones poses a risk of loss of confidence on the DVS’ capability to control FMD which could result in substantial trade losses in the agricultural sector of Botswana’s economy. 

Nevertheless, Office of the Auditor General appreciates the efforts the DVS has made in keeping the entire southern part of the country free from FMD as well as the strides the Department continues to make in progressively reducing the number of FMD red zones. 

