Zimbabwe’s veterinary authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South Province, near the Botswana border.
In an official communication circulated to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Directors of Veterinary Services, Chief Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, said the outbreak was first detected on 5 January, 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,” Dr Makaya said.
He highlighted that laboratory testing had confirmed the presence of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease SAT 1 serotype.
According to Dr Makaya, clinical signs were observed in cattle of different age groups, with 54 confirmed cases recorded from a total cattle population of 2 403 in the affected area.
“Further analysis is underway with epithelial tissues sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Foot-and-Mouth Disease reference laboratory in Botswana for typing and vaccine matching,” he said.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. It does not affect humans but can result in significant losses in livestock productivity.
The 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.”
The farmer added, “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-kilometre 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, vaccinations within a 20kilometre radius, surveillance in and around the affected areas and awareness campaigns,” Dr Makaya said.
A map attached to the notification shows the outbreak location in the western part of Mangwe District, close to the international boundary.
