Story by Yolanda Moyo
SOUTHERN African countries have taken a significant step towards strengthening livestock disease control following the approval of a regional Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) antigen bank in Botswana.
The facility, which will be hosted by the Botswana Vaccine Institute, is expected to enhance vaccine security and improve the region’s capacity to respond swiftly to disease outbreaks.
Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most costly livestock diseases globally, disrupting trade, threatening food security and undermining rural livelihoods. Eleven SADC member states are currently grappling with outbreaks, prompting regional leaders to prioritise vaccine preparedness as a key defence mechanism.
The decision to establish the antigen bank was approved by SADC Ministers of Agriculture during a recent meeting in Victoria Falls.
Botswana’s Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Edwin Dikoloti, said regional cooperation remains critical in combating transboundary animal diseases.
“The Southern African region is under pressure from Foot and Mouth Disease. No country can be safe on its own. Zimbabwe and Botswana provide a good example of how neighbouring countries can work together to fight FMD. Through coordinated vaccination programmes and joint disease control measures, we have made significant progress in controlling outbreaks along our shared border.
“I am hopeful that we will continue to approach this challenge as a regional responsibility. The approval of the Botswana Vaccine Institute as the host of the SADC antigen bank will strengthen our capacity to respond effectively to future outbreaks,” he said.
The development is being viewed as a major milestone in regional animal health management, with governments seeking to safeguard a livestock sector that supports millions of livelihoods and contributes significantly to agricultural production and exports.
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said expanding vaccine production capacity remains a priority for the region.
“The Southern African region requires at least 43 million doses of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine. Current production capacity stands at approximately 25 million doses, making it necessary to expand the Botswana Vaccine Institute to meet regional demand and ensure sustainable vaccine availability,” he said.
Agricultural experts say improved access to vaccines is becoming increasingly important as climate change, cross-border livestock movements and expanding trade networks heighten the risk of transboundary animal diseases.
Agriculture expert Mr Craig Evans said strengthened disease control systems will help protect livestock populations and preserve export markets.
“I can foresee this initiative contributing significantly to the growth of our national herd, improving livestock quality and safeguarding export markets, as disease control measures and vaccination programmes will be strengthened in line with SADC protocols,” he said.
By reducing vaccine production lead times and improving regional preparedness, the SADC Foot and Mouth Disease antigen bank is expected to enhance food security, protect export markets and strengthen Southern Africa’s resilience against livestock diseases that threaten agricultural growth and economic development.
