Namibia Concerned as UK Doubts Botswana's FMD Zones
Dr Anja Boshoff-De Witt, Executive for Quality Assurance at the Livestock And Livestock Products Board Of Namibia (LLPBN). Photo LLPBN

Namibia Concerned as UK Doubts Botswana's FMD Zones

Namibia's Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPBN) has raised concerns over the United Kingdom's decision to suspend fresh bovine meat imports from Botswana, with Executive for Quality Assurance Dr Anja Boshoff-De Witt warning that the move signals a potential lack of confidence in Botswana's established disease zoning system.

Dr Boshoff-De Witt said Botswana's zoning system is functioning as intended and “works well”, but that the UK's broad suspension is concerning. "What is concerning is the reaction of the UK, where it appears that these trading partners do not trust or take into account the zoning and controls of Botswana," she said. 

“It is about the fact that these World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) recognized zones may not be recognized by trading parties. The question would be why not? Do these parties feel the need to even conduct audits? This question is particularly relevant since Namibia is also looking at sub-zoning its one free zone,” asked Boshoff-De Witt. 

Namibia, which shares a disease-management relationship with Botswana, is monitoring the situation closely. "Botswana is our buffer with South Africa," she added.

The UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued OVS Note 2026/04 on 4 February 2026, temporarily restricting imports of fresh bovine meat from Botswana processed on or after 30 December 2025. 

The restriction followed Botswana's notification to the WOAH of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak confirmed on 29 January 2026, with the disease detected in Zone 6b and further suspicions reported in Zone 3c.

Rumour that the EU has also banned imports is not true according to Botswana's Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti. He offered reassurance on 10 March 2026, clarifying that the EU has not banned Botswana beef. 

"There is a good number of containers on their way to the EU as we speak," Dikoloti said, adding that the Botswana Meat Commission was slaughtering EU-eligible cattle at increasing volumes, targeting completion of the Norway export quota by June.