The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Livestock Department has banned all animal gatherings, livestock markets, shows, auctions, and informal trading following reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the districts of Botha Bothe, Mahlasela cattle post and Qacha ‘s Nek, Letlapeng.
The Ministry said it will only allow essential activities, which will proceed under strict veterinary controls. These include authorised veterinary interventions, animal movement for slaughter with permits and supervision, and access to designated community grazing areas.
It indicated animals movement would 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-Li-Mali, Pitseng, Makhunoane, Ha Phosholi, Ha Khabele, Ha Lebese, Boithero, Lephoi and Matsoaing.
The ban ultimately affects animal shows that were expected to start in Mokhotlong on March 04- 05, Mohale’s Hoek 10 March, Berea 12 March, Botha Bothe 17 March, Leribe 19 March, Maseru 25-26 March, Mafeteng 31 March, while Thaba Tseka show was pencilled for 07 April, Quthing 09, Qacha’s Nek 16- 17, and national event was scheduled for 22 – 23 April 2026.