Government Considers Livestock Trade Ban to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

The Government of Lesotho has announced heightened vigilance and potential trade restrictions in response to the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in neighbouring South Africa. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Moorosi, during a cabinet briefing held on Thursday at the LNBS premises in Maseru.

Ms. Moorosi stated that Lesotho is assessing preventative measures, including the possible suspension of imports and exports of livestock and livestock products, to protect the country’s agricultural economy from a potential outbreak.

“The cabinet discussed the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and the possible ways of preventing its entry into Lesotho,” said Ms. Moorosi. “The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition reported on the matter, highlighting that if the disease reaches our country, it would negatively impact our livestock and economy. We would be unable to trade in livestock products, including wool, mohair, and meat.”

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. It is known for its rapid transmission and serious consequences for animal health and international trade.

Ms. Moorosi stressed that Lesotho is especially vulnerable due to the lack of a routine vaccination program and limited veterinary infrastructure. “Our animals are not vaccinated against the disease, and we lack sufficient veterinary personnel to carry out emergency containment measures,” she said.

While no FMD cases have been confirmed in Lesotho, the threat remains high, particularly for districts like Mokhotlong, which shares a porous and loosely monitored border with KwaZulu-Natal—one of the provinces most affected by the outbreak in South Africa.

“There is an outbreak of FMD in South Africa, which poses a significant risk to Lesotho as a landlocked country,” she warned. “We are continuously assessing and monitoring the situation.”

In the event of an outbreak, Lesotho could face devastating economic repercussions, including being barred from exporting livestock products—a sector that sustains many Basotho livelihoods.

The government is also working on legislative interventions, including updates on the Animal Production, Wealth and Health Bill, which aims to strengthen livestock management and disease control efforts in the country.

Other issues addressed during the cabinet briefing included:

• Updates from the recent Children’s Parliament, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in national development;
• Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s visit to Spain, where he advocated for better funding mechanisms for developing nations;
• His Majesty King Letsie III’s visit to Benin, where he delivered a speech on the impacts of climate change on developing countries;
• And ongoing discussions on the welfare of Basotho migrants in South Africa, particularly in the context of regional mobility and health security.

As the government continues to monitor the unfolding FMD outbreak in the region, farmers and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and follow guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture to protect livestock and ensure the health and sustainability of Lesotho’s agricultural economy.