The control of foot-and-mouth disease in Botswana: special reference to vaccination

Botswana has a history of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) occurrence and control that dates far back into the 1930s. Conditions in the southern African region are favourable for spiking FMD outbreaks due to Southern African Territories (SAT) serotypes, because of the co-existence of the agent, hosts and a conducive environment. In the past these parameters were less controlled and FMD outbreaks were common in the region, causing tremendous social and economic losses. The inception of conventional FMD vaccines in the region in the 1970s led to a significant improvement in the control of the disease. Vaccination used with other appropriate strategies has been the cornerstone of FMD control strategy in Botswana. FMD vaccine used in Botswana is manufactured locally; it is effective and has been responsible for the elimination of FMD outbreaks since the early eighties. FMD vaccination is a costly exercise. The programme has been sustained for decades because there is political will and financial support from government. However, its economic value can only be determined through a cost-benefit analysis, which is not a subject of this paper. The experience of FMD control in Botswana, with special reference to vaccination, is discussed.