ZIMBABWE’S veterinary authorities have confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South province, near the border with Botswana.
In an official communication circulated to Southern African Development Community (Sadc) directors of veterinary services, Directorate of Veterinary Services chief director Pious Makaya said the outbreak was first detected on January 5, 2026, at the Maholi and Hannavale dip tanks.
“Investigations suggest that the source of the infection may have been buffaloes which were sighted in the communal areas two months before the outbreak,” Makaya said.
Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of FMD SAT 1 serotype.
According to Makaya, clinical signs were observed in cattle of different age groups, with 54 confirmed cases recorded from a cattle population of 2 403 in the affected area.
“Further analysis is underway, with epithelial tissues sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health Foot-and-Mouth Disease reference laboratory in Botswana for typing and vaccine matching,” he said.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information based in Maryland in the United States, FMD is a zoonosis, a disease transmissible to humans, but it crosses the species barrier with difficulty and with little effect.
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However, it can result in significant losses in livestock productivity.
The FMD outbreak has occurred during the current agricultural season, following favourable rains in parts of the district.
One communal farmer from Mangwe, who requested anonymity, said: “Just as we were celebrating good rains, reports of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have emerged in my area.
“While adult cattle often survive, calves are highly vulnerable. I hope the authorities act swiftly to contain this.”
To contain the spread of the disease, veterinary authorities have implemented control measures, including strict quarantine enforcement, livestock movement controls, vaccination within a 20-km radius of the affected area, surveillance in and around affected locations, and farmer awareness campaigns.
“Urgent control measures currently underway include strict quarantine enforcement, movement control, vaccination within a 20-kilometre radius, surveillance in and around the affected areas and awareness campaigns,” Makaya said.
