Namibia’s internationally recognised FMD-free zone has been hit by Foot-and-Mouth Disease, with 10 cattle testing positive in the //Kharas Region, triggering an immediate nationwide suspension of livestock movements and a halt to cloven-hoofed animal imports and exports.
The confirmation, announced in the National Assembly yesterday by Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Dr Charles Mubita, has placed Namibia’s livestock sector under major pressure and threatens to disrupt livestock marketing locally and internationally.
The outbreak was detected on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District during routine veterinary surveillance.
Veterinary officials collected samples from 11 cattle showing clinical signs consistent with FMD on 22 September. Tests conducted at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek confirmed 10 positive cases on 23 September.
Mubita said the detection confirms an active FMD outbreak inside Namibia’s WOAH-recognised FMD-free zone. The Ministry has responded with immediate control measures under the Animal Health Act, No. 1 of 2011.
The movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products has been suspended countrywide, while imports and exports of all cloven-hoofed animals have also been suspended until further notice.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services is expected to issue a Veterinary Public Notification detailing additional control measures.
Mubita warned that the outbreak carries serious implications for the national economy and the livelihoods of Namibians dependent on the livestock industry. The suspension of livestock and livestock-product marketing could have far-reaching consequences for farmers, traders, abattoirs, transporters and other businesses linked to the sector.
“This is a national responsibility for every Namibian citizen,” Mubita said, calling for cooperation between government agencies, the livestock industry, stakeholders and the public.
He said containing the highly infectious disease and restoring normal livestock marketing would remain a priority. The outbreak comes as Namibia faces heightened regional FMD risks following outbreaks in other Southern African countries.
For a country whose livestock industry relies heavily on its disease-free status for access to markets, the latest detection represents a major challenge for farmers and the wider agricultural economy.
By Rudi Bowe
