## 1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

## 1.1 INTRODUCTION 

## CHAPTER 1 

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven- hoofed domestic and wild animals, such as cattle, bison, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. Because FMD is highly contagious, it is arguably one of the most destructive/devastating livestock diseases in terms of economic impact throughout the world. $^{1}$ This disease is often referred to as an economic disease because of the magnitude of economic harm that would result from production losses of livestock and severe restriction of agricultural exports during an FMD outbreak. 2 

FMD was first reported in Botswana in the early 1930’s when the country became infected through the spread of the disease from the then Rhodesia and South Africa. It was later eradicated in 1934, but only to reappear sporadically throughout the 1940’s, 1950’s, 70’s and 80’s. Thereafter, no outbreaks were recorded until 2002. 3  Botswana has developed a national FMD control strategy hinging on the following pillars: passive and active surveillance, movement controls, zoning, strategic vaccination, stamping out where relevant, biosecurity, good legal framework, public education and awareness as well as bilateral and regional collaboration. As a result, the country has progressively extended its FMD free zones over the years since 1994. Currently, 85% of its cattle population resides in FMD free zones. FMD freedom opens up animal movements locally, regionally and creates access to all levels of markets including international markets. 4 

