Most of the fence sections the researchers examined protect low densities of livestock, often with livestock on only one side of the fence, meaning the fences in these areas aren’t necessarily the most important ones for lowering disease risks. The researchers also pointed to evidence that foot and mouth disease may already be circulating in cattle within Botswana and may not be detected when animals don’t show clinical signs.
“A fence may not be preventing the disease from coming into that population from buffalo or from cattle from another country, because it’s already there,” Rosen said.
Balancing fence removal and livelihoods
In Botswana, the study has facilitated an agreement with government officials to explore changing the status quo. The research team and other local organizations are now working to assist communities in northern Botswana to implement herding and improve animal husbandry, vaccination and access to markets by producing disease-free beef that is recognized as safe to trade. In exchange, the government has agreed to consider removing specific fence sections to restore important migrations for wildlife, Osofsky said.
At the same time, these efforts help create more resilient livelihoods for the region’s poorest. The team’s guidelines are already leading to higher beef prices for what is being termed as wildlife-friendly beef, with the longer-term goal of boosting the wildlife economy and jobs in tourism.
