Zimbabwe has confirmed the presence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Mangwe District but says the overall national livestock situation remains under control despite increased regional pressure.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said neighbouring countries — particularly South Africa, Botswana and Zambia — are experiencing heightened disease pressure, largely driven by cross-border cattle movements.
Professor Jiri noted that while Zimbabwe has recorded cases in Mangwe District, the country remains largely free from widespread outbreaks.
“We are notifying the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in Mangwe District, but generally Zimbabwe is still clean in terms of foot-and-mouth disease as a country,” he said.
He explained that increased livestock movement within the region has raised the risk of transmission, prompting authorities to strengthen surveillance and control measures to prevent further spread.
According to the ministry, Zimbabwe continues to rely on strong regional cooperation to manage the situation, particularly through access to vaccines supplied by the Botswana Vaccine Institute.
Professor Jiri said ongoing vaccination programmes and established partnerships have helped authorities contain potential outbreaks and maintain stability within the livestock sector.
Officials say monitoring, vaccination and movement control measures remain in place as government works to safeguard cattle production and protect farmers from economic losses linked to the disease.
