Farmer devastated as stray cow costs him 20 cattle

The village of fewer than 700 people, according to the last census, is part of Zone 11, the second-largest disease control zone, which covers an area larger than that of Portugal. Othusitse Tsamaise is one of the devastated farmers who was fast pushed into poverty after his 20 cattle, his only source of income for himself, his family, and relatives, were gunned down in his presence as they were deemed potential carriers of FMD. It is a clear signal that the government’s purse is empty and that our own behaviour has left veterinary officials fighting with one hand tied behind their backs.

We have been here before. During COVID-19, many of us thought we knew better. We ignored simple rules, we carried on as if the danger was someone else’s problem, and the virus took lives and left our economy on its knees.

We are still broke from that experience. Yet now, with FMD…