Botswana has issued a call for assistance in combating the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

For the first time in its history, Botswana simultaneously experienced four FMD outbreaks in different zones at the end of January and beginning of February this year, resulting in the immediate suspension of most of the country's FMD-free zones.

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps attached to Botswana in Gaborone recently, the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti, said the situation Botswana finds itself in is a threat to livelihoods.

Describing the current outbreaks as unprecedented, Dikoloti said the development has piled economic pressure on a country already facing financial calamities due to declining diamond sales on the global market.  

"Due to the loss of export earnings, particularly from the substantial and high-value EU market, from which Botswana enjoys tariff-free and quota-free access negotiated through the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join the national effort to eradicate FMD. This could involve a cash donation or in-kind support, such as offering your farm tractor or truck services to assist with fencing work or even volunteering to work alongside communities engaged in fencing activities."

Botswana's beef industry is currently facing heightened international and regional restrictions, as the country is battling to contain the highly contagious disease.