FMD Outbreak Confirmed in Zimbabwe’s Mangwe District; Severe Economic Repercussions Anticipated

HARARE, ZIMBABWE — The Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement has officially confirmed a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Mangwe District of the Matabeleland South Province. The development has triggered the implementation of strict containment measures and heightened regional concern, as the district borders Botswana.

 The outbreak was initially reported on January 5, 2026, at the Maholi and Hannavale dip tanks. Investigations by authorities suggest the source of the infection may be linked to buffaloes, which were sighted in the communal areas approximately two months prior to the initial report. African buffalo are known natural reservoir hosts for the FMD virus in Southern Africa, posing a constant risk of spillover into domestic livestock.

Clinical signs consistent with FMD were observed in various age groups of cattle within the affected area. Out of a census of 2,403 cattle, 54 cases were reported. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of the FMD SAT 1 serotype using solid-phase ELISA. This specific serotype is part of the Southern African Territories (SAT) types, reflecting its geographical association.

 The existence of seven distinct serotypes, with no cross-immunity between them, necessitates precise vaccine matching to ensure protection.

Epithelial tissue samples have been dispatched to the OIE FMD reference laboratory in Botswana for further typing and vaccine matching analysis.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Tightens Grip on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak 

 Control Measures Instituted

 Zimbabwean veterinary authorities have moved swiftly to contain the highly contagious disease, which severely impacts livestock productivity and trade but does not affect humans. Control measures being instituted include:

·        Strict quarantine enforcement.

·        Movement control of livestock.

·        Vaccinations within a 20 km radius of the outbreak sites.

·        Intensified surveillance in and around the affected areas.

·        Public awareness campaigns for farmers.

Economic Impact of the Outbreak

 The economic fallout from an FMD outbreak is significant, affecting both direct production and access to lucrative international markets. The impact can be separated into two components: direct losses due to reduced production and changes in herd structure, and indirect losses caused by the costs of FMD control and restricted market access. 

 Direct Losses:

FMD typically causes high morbidity but low mortality in adult livestock. However, production losses are substantial. 

·        Reduced Productivity: FMD can cause a loss of milk yield (up to 80% in dairy cattle), weight loss, and lameness.

·        Reproductive Issues: The disease often leads to abortions and sterility, forcing farmers to bear the cost of keeping non-productive animals for extended periods or culling them.

·        Loss of Draft Power: In areas dependent on oxen for cultivation, FMD during the cropping season can lead to significant losses in traction power.

·        Mortality of Young Stock: While adults usually survive, mortality rates for calves can be higher. 

Indirect Losses & Trade Restrictions:
The most serious economic consequences stem from trade bans imposed by countries that are FMD-free. The presence of FMD, or even the threat of it, prevents access to high-value international markets like the European Union (EU) and the United States, which pay premium prices for meat. 

 ·        Export Revenue Loss: Zimbabwe previously benefited from access to the EU market, generating approximately $50 million per year in revenue up to 2001. The breakdown of FMD control systems since then has jeopardized this valuable industry. Studies have estimated that for every dollar saved in reduced FMD control efforts, five dollars can be lost to the national economy in the form of foregone revenue and other impacts.

·        Regional Ripple Effect: Outbreaks in Zimbabwe have a negative impact on neighboring countries like Botswana, which heavily rely on FMD-free status for their own beef exports.

·        Domestic Market Disruption: Within the country, movement restrictions disrupt normal supply chains, causing bottlenecks in feedlots and abattoirs. Affected farmers often have to sell their animals at lower prices on the domestic market, further impacting their income and discouraging investment in the livestock sector.

·        Control Costs: The significant costs associated with ongoing FMD control—including surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and outbreak management—are often borne by the public sector and external donors, placing a strain on national resources. 

The current outbreak in Mangwe District not only represents immediate production losses for local farmers but also threatens the broader national effort to regain and maintain international market access.

For more information, kindly contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services at:
Tel: +263 242791516
Mobile: 0778917908