BVI to Spotlight FMD Vaccine Innovation at Zim Dai...

BVI to Spotlight FMD Vaccine Innovation at Zim Dairy Expo Amid Rising Livestock Disease Concerns

Zim Now Business Desk

The Botswana Vaccine Institute will be a key participant at the upcoming Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers Expo and Annual General Meeting in Harare from July 22–23, as livestock health challenges rise sharply across Southern Africa.

CEO Andrew Madeswi is scheduled to address the AGM on BVI’s efforts to support FMD containment and strengthen vaccine quality assurance across the region.

BVI, a World Organisation for Animal Health reference lab, will use the platform to demonstrate its regional leadership in foot-and-mouth disease control.

Southern Africa has seen increasing outbreaks of FMD and lumpy skin disease, threatening dairy and beef industries critical to food security and rural incomes.

Zimbabwe has lost millions in export earnings due to periodic FMD outbreaks, with the Department of Veterinary Services spending over ZWL$1 billion in emergency containment last year, according to official reports.

Madeswi is expected to share how BVI’s vaccines—produced under strict pharmaceutical compliance—are helping countries meet WOAH standards.

The institute recently upgraded its FMD vaccine facility to increase production capacity by 50%, responding to growing regional demand.

Beyond the AGM, BVI veterinary experts will hold a practical field day at a dairy school, training Zimbabwean farmers on cold chain management, vaccine handling, and administration—key gaps identified in last year’s EU-funded livestock diagnostics study.

Zimbabwe’s dairy sector is under pressure, producing just over 100 million litres annually—far short of the 150 million-litre national demand. Preventable diseases remain a major bottleneck.

The ZADF EXPO, expected to attract government officials and regional stakeholders, will also feature a keynote by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
The participation of BVI marks growing cross-border collaboration in animal health.

Agric experts say with African Continental Free Trade Area ambitions threatened by poor livestock standards, harmonizing vaccine protocols and improving farmer education will unlock billions in agri-trade.