However, ever since the 2002 FMD outbreak, the country has been experiencing sporadic FMD outbreaks even in areas that had been declared FMD free zones by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). The DVS is endowed with the responsibility to among other things, manage and control the FMD with a long term vision of ultimately eradicating the disease completely. 

## 1.2 MOTIVATION 

FMD is a disease that has a major effect on the beef industry in Botswana as its outbreaks prevent access to beef markets. More than 80 % of Batswana rely on the beef industry for their livelihood through products such as milk, meat, hides, draught power, income and socio-psychological support. Beef contributes the larger share (80%) of total contribution by the agricultural sector to the economy’s Gross Domestic Product. This thus underscores why it is critical to deploy sufficient resources and commitment in the control of FMD in Botswana. 5 Even though the DVS had measures in place and despite the fact that the Government of Botswana through the DVS had expended approximately P127 211 668 on the control of FMD between financial years 2010 to 2014, the country continued to experience FMD outbreaks. In the last twelve (12) years (since 2002), there has been seven (7) outbreaks in FMD free zones and ten (10) outbreaks in the vaccination or infected zones which make an average of approximately two (2) outbreaks per year. The frequency of outbreaks has been increasing throughout this twelve year period. Table 1 provides an illustration of FMD cases recorded during the period from 2008- April 2015. 

