The Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) has declared a State of Production Emergency in response to a surge of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases sweeping across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This move is designed to accelerate vaccine production efforts aimed at curbing outbreaks that threaten the livestock sectors of multiple countries in Southern Africa.
BVI Chief Executive Officer Andrew Madeswi explained to reporters this week that the unprecedented demand for FMD vaccines has compelled the institute to realign its resources and prioritize manufacturing to support afflicted nations and contain the disease’s further spread. “FMD is one of the most complex animal diseases and it is difficult to understand and manage,” he said, emphasizing the urgency behind the declaration. The simultaneous outbreaks across several SADC countries have created a scenario rarely witnessed in recent regional history. “As countries begin to record cases, the demand for vaccines rises sharply because governments rush to protect their livestock populations,” Madeswi noted.
This sharp increase in vaccine orders has strained the production capacity of BVI’s facility, which supplies vaccines not only domestically but also to neighboring states. FMD is notorious for its rapid transmission and the severe trade restrictions that follow outbreaks factors that make it one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases. Countries grappling with FMD risk losing access to lucrative beef export markets, a blow that could profoundly impact Botswana’s agricultural economy. For Botswana, where the beef industry has long anchored rural livelihoods and foreign exchange earnings, the threat is particularly acute.
With the diamond sector facing economic challenges in recent years, Madeswi warned that the country cannot afford a concurrent crisis in its livestock sector. “Livestock remains a cornerstone of livelihoods for many Batswana,” he said. “We must position Botswana as a benchmark in managing and controlling FMD within the region.” Yet, Madeswi cautioned that vaccines alone are insufficient to combat the disease effectively. He underscored the necessity of robust surveillance systems, stringent controls on animal movement, and enhanced biosecurity at farms and border checkpoints. “Vaccination is important, but it must be supported by strong disease surveillance and strict control of livestock movement,” he stressed.
Acknowledging public anxiety and misinformation surrounding the outbreaks, Madeswi called on the media to assume a responsible role in conveying accurate information. “There is a lot of anxiety and misinformation about the disease. The media are vital partners in ensuring the public receives factual and balanced information,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the BVI chief expressed confidence in the institute’s capacity to support Botswana and its neighbors in fighting the disease. The institute continues to analyze circulating virus strains and produce vaccines tailored to the specific variants affecting the region. Under its regional mandate, BVI currently supplies vaccines to multiple SADC countries.
In the 2025/26 financial year alone, BVI has distributed 3.8 million doses of FMD vaccines across the region. South Africa has emerged as the largest recipient, receiving 1.6 million doses, followed by Zimbabwe with 1.3 million doses. Other beneficiaries include Eswatini with 308,000 doses, Mozambique with 116,200 doses, and Botswana itself with 72,000 doses for domestic prevention.
Government Activates P97 Million Emergency Response for FMD
In a parallel effort, the Botswana government has launched a P97 million national emergency response plan to prevent FMD’s spread from neighboring countries. Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture Edwin Dikoloti, addressing Parliament, described the transboundary animal disease as a grave threat with the potential to escalate into a national disaster if left unchecked. Dikoloti revealed that a Presidential Directive has authorized funding for immediate and short-term control measures.
This budget will support critical logistics, including intensified border surveillance, repairs of damaged cordon fences, de-bushing operations, and strict controls on livestock movement. More than 240 personnel have already been deployed to high-risk outbreak zones, particularly Zones 3c and 6b, while surveillance continues in FMD-free areas such as Zone 7 as part of the national disease monitoring plan. The Botswana Police Service has established camps along key border areas to bolster containment efforts.
Furthermore, the government has embraced a partnership model involving border communities to assist in maintaining veterinary cordon fences. Officials believe this approach will enhance sustainability amid budget constraints. “While resources remain limited due to the economic downturn, community involvement offers a more sustainable solution than government bearing the burden alone,” Dikoloti said.