Lesotho Establishes Multi-Sectoral Task Team to Combat Foot and Mouth Disease

On December 15 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, through the Department of Livestock Services, convened a key meeting in Maseru to establish a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Multi-Sectoral Task Team. The session aimed to update stakeholders on the national response and coordinate efforts to protect Lesotho’s livestock sector.

The Minister of Food Security and Nutrition, Honourable Thabo Mofosi, opened the meeting, emphasizing the urgent need to create a dedicated task force. He noted that the initiative seeks to protect livestock, rural livelihoods, and national food security against the threats posed by FMD.

Principal Secretary of Agriculture, Dr Khothatso Tsooana, highlighted that the meeting’s objectives were to strengthen government strategies for FMD prevention and preparedness. He stressed that FMD is a transboundary threat with potential impacts on livestock, rural livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Lesotho’s geographical location and livestock movement patterns increase its vulnerability, requiring a coordinated prevention plan and regional disease monitoring.

Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Relebohile Lepheana, provided an update on the current FMD situation. She explained that the disease mainly affects cattle, sheep, and goats, spreading rapidly among susceptible animals. While Lesotho has maintained a FMD–free status, the country remains at risk due to its reliance on livestock trade with South Africa.

Dr Lepheana outlined the consequences of an outbreak, including potential loss of access to lucrative wool and mohair markets and the high costs of disease control, including vaccination, movement restrictions, and quarantine. She urged adherence to measures regulating the importation of susceptible animals, rapid disease assessments, the establishment of protection zones, and the preparation of contingency plans.

The Ministry reassured stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining animal health standards and enforcing controls on animal movements. Approval by Cabinet of the proposed multi-sectoral task team will be a critical next step in the country’s strategy to prevent and control FMD.

The establishment of this task team marks a proactive measure by Lesotho to safeguard its livestock industry, protect rural communities, and ensure continued access to regional and international markets.