The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through livestock department has banned all animal gatherings, livestock markets, shows, auctions, and informal trading following reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Botha Bothe, Mahlasela cattle post and Qacha ‘s nek, Letlapeng.
The ministry only allow essential activities, which will proceed under strict veterinary controls. These include authorized veterinary interventions, animal movement for slaughter with permits and supervision, and access to designated community grazing areas.
Animals’movement will be controlled by the Department of Livestock Services, district administrations, Lesotho Defense Force (LDF), and Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). The ban remains in place until an epidemiological assessment and laboratory confirmation of the country virus status.
The ministry announced that non -compliance with the ban constitutes an offense under stock disease proclamation 10 of 1896 and may end in prosecution. The restriction applies to, but not limited to Mahlasela,Motete,Tsifa limali,Pitseng, Makhunoane , Ha Phosholi, Ha Khabele,Ha Lebese,Boithero,Lephoi and Matsoaing.
The exhibitions were expected to start today at Mokhotlong 04- 05,Mohale’shoek 10 March, Berea 12 March, Botha Bothe 17March,Leribe 19 March, maseru 25-26 March, Mafeteng, 31 March. Thaba tseka 07 April, Quthing 09,Qacha 16_17, and national event was supposed to be on the 22 – 23 April.