Performance Audit Report on the Control of F MD destruction of fences by elephants as well as low vaccination coverage which  remained a challenge in the DVS’ efforts to control and eradicate the FMD in the  country. Additionally, the role of key stakeholders like the farming community  remained inadequate in the control of the disease. Considering the economic importance of the beef industry in Botswana as well  as the costs associated with FMD outbreaks, the OAG is of the view that the DVS  needs to strengthen its overall framework for implementation of all the strategies  it has devised for controlling FMD. The Department needs to adopt a farmer  inclusive approach to FMD control, strengthen its extension outreach and  ensure beneficial collaborations with other key stakeholders in the livestock  sector to complement its efforts in the control of FMD. The continuous sporadic  outbreaks of FMD even in zones designated as FMD free zones poses a risk of  loss of confidence on the DVS’ capability to control FMD which could result in  substantial trade losses in the agricultural sector of Botswana’s economy. Nevertheless, Office of the Auditor General appreciates the efforts the DVS has  made in keeping the entire southern part of the country free from FMD as well  as the strides the Department continues to make in progressively reducing the  number of FMD red zones. 54 |  P a g e