Botswana is currently ceased with an ongoing battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a viral scourge that threatens not only the health of its livestock but also the backbone of its economy and food security.
The Botswana Vaccine Institute Limited (BVI), a key player in the region’s animal health landscape, has stepped forward with a vital assurance to farmers: the vaccines needed to protect cattle from this devastating disease are available. More than that, BVI is ramping up production and quality testing to ensure these vaccines meet the highest standards and can meet both local and regional demands.
FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, has long been a menace in Botswana, where the livestock sector is a crucial pillar of the economy. Recent outbreaks, particularly in zones 3c and 6b, have put the nation’s animal health systems under strain, prompting swift government and veterinary action. The disease not only causes severe loss in livestock productivity but also triggers trade restrictions that can ripple through the economy, hitting farmers’ livelihoods hard and threatening food security in a country deeply dependent on its agricultural exports.
BVI’s role is pivotal. Established with a mission to safeguard Botswana’s livestock industry, BVI manufactures vaccines against major animal diseases, including FMD, for use domestically and for export across 16 African and Middle Eastern countries. The institute’s commitment has never been more critical than now, as the region grapples with outbreaks that have prompted strict movement controls and quarantine measures to curb the spread. These controls, while necessary, disrupt trade and income, highlighting the importance of vaccination as a frontline defense.
The institute has confirmed that sufficient stocks of FMD vaccines are currently available to meet local demand, with new batches undergoing rigorous quality assurance testing. This is a reassurance to farmers who have faced uncertainty amidst the outbreaks. The vaccines form a cornerstone of Botswana’s biannual vaccination campaigns, which target high-risk zones to contain and prevent further spread of the disease. BVI’s approach integrates vaccination with surveillance and strict movement controls, reflecting a comprehensive strategy that has proven effective in the past.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, BVI is looking ahead with strategic initiatives designed to boost production capacity and improve the institute’s readiness for unexpected surges in demand. A new blending and filling laboratory is under development, expected to be completed in the 2026/2027 fiscal year. This facility aims to enhance the quality and volume of vaccines produced, positioning BVI to better support not only Botswana but the entire Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The regional dimension cannot be overstated. Botswana is not alone in facing FMD; outbreaks have been reported across the SADC region, prompting coordinated efforts to harmonize vaccination strategies and share resources. BVI plays a central role in this regional fight, supplying vaccines beyond Botswana’s borders. Recently, it supplied over 3.8 million doses of FMD vaccines to Namibia, demonstrating its capacity and commitment to regional animal health security. This cross-border collaboration is encapsulated in a joint 2026–2028 Action Plan between Botswana and South Africa aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against FMD.
The stakes are high. The economic impact of FMD in Botswana has been severe; losses include reduced milk production, decreased weight gain in cattle, and aborted pregnancies, cumulatively affecting the income of farmers and the national beef export industry. The suspension of FMD-free status in key zones has led to trade restrictions, particularly affecting exports to lucrative markets. According to research, these restrictions translate into millions of dollars in lost revenue annually, underscoring how critical effective vaccination and disease control are to Botswana’s economy.
Farmers, meanwhile, have faced challenges beyond disease outbreaks. Confusion over vaccine availability and misinformation have at times complicated efforts to maintain vaccination coverage. BVI’s clear communication about vaccine supply and quality testing is vital to restoring confidence and encouraging participation in vaccination programs. The institute also emphasizes that vaccines are part of a broader control program that includes movement restrictions and surveillance, which together help to manage and eventually eradicate outbreaks.
BVI’s strategic projects reflect a vision of resilience and sustainability. By expanding production facilities and establishing new strategic production sites in East and West Africa, BVI aims to grow its market share and support broader continental efforts against animal diseases. These investments will not only strengthen Botswana’s veterinary infrastructure but also provide a buffer against future epidemics, ensuring that vaccine supplies can meet sudden spikes in demand.
In this context, BVI’s work is about more than vaccines; it’s about preserving livelihoods, maintaining trade links, and securing food supplies in a region where agriculture remains a cornerstone of life and economy. The institute’s efforts align with national and regional goals to create an integrated, cooperative approach to FMD control, leveraging science, production capacity, and strategic partnerships.
As Botswana and its neighbors navigate the complexities of FMD outbreaks in 2026, the assurance from BVI that vaccines are available and that production is scaling up comes as a beacon of hope. It is a reminder that with coordinated action, scientific expertise, and robust infrastructure, it is possible to protect the health of livestock and the prosperity of the communities that depend on them.
The fight against foot-and-mouth disease is far from over, but through institutions like the Botswana Vaccine Institute Limited, there is a clear path forward; one grounded in science, cooperation, and a shared commitment to safeguarding one of Southern Africa’s most vital resources: its livestock. Farmers in Botswana and across the SADC region can look to the future with cautious optimism, knowing that the tools to combat FMD are not just promises, but tangible realities being delivered today and planned for to