Botswana Suspends Some Hunting Due to Foot & Mouth Outbreak

SCI has learned that Botswana has suspended hunting in numerous areas due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Hunters with upcoming safaris in that country should contact their safari operators about their trips. Those expecting trophy shipments should prepare to have them forwarded to an APHIS approved taxidermist for treatment upon arrival in the US.

In a press release issued April 10, by Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism, hunting of all cloven-hoofed animals in selected zones has been suspended. Hunting for non-cloven-hoofed animals may continue with trophy parts (skins and skulls) handled according to established movement protocols.

The outbreak was first announced on April 2, leading to restrictions on the movement of cattle and all split-hooved species, in addition to meat and milk. A suspension of hunting followed soon after.

SCI has received reports of some operators cancelling or postponing hunts. Hunters should contact their safari operators about the status of their planned trips. Also, hunters shipping trophies from Botswana may need to have them sent to a taxidermist considered an “Approved Establishment” by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for fumigation upon arrival in the US. The approved list is available on the APHIS website here.

Hunters should coordinate with their import agents to ensure the shipments are properly documented to prevent delays or additional storage fees should USDA/APHIS inspectors flag their crates due to the foot and mouth outbreak.

SCI members with questions may contact SCI’s Hunter Information Service at [email protected].