Namibia’s battle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues on two fronts, with authorities intensifying surveillance, vaccination campaigns and livestock movement controls in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions to prevent further spread of the highly contagious animal disease.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says significant progress has been made since FMD was first confirmed in the Karasburg State Veterinary District on 23 September 2026. As of 4 November, 18 farms have been confirmed infected, with 131 positive cases recorded. Despite the infections, officials stress that the outbreak remains confined to the affected district.
To strengthen containment efforts, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has expanded surveillance activities while enforcing strict movement controls through 19 operational roadblocks and veterinary checkpoints across the //Kharas, Hardap, Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions.
A compulsory vaccination campaign launched on 17 October has already seen 8,267 cattle vaccinated on 90 farms, with 19 vaccination teams deployed across the region. Authorities are also constructing an Animal Disease Control fence aimed at creating an additional barrier against disease transmission.
In the Zambezi Region, where FMD was confirmed on Kalala Island in October, the situation remains under control. Veterinary officials have completed the initial vaccination campaign within a 30-kilometre radius of the outbreak area, vaccinating 53,913 cattle at 37 crush pens. Importantly, no new cases have been detected outside the designated Disease Management Area.
The Ministry has reiterated that livestock and animal product movement restrictions remain in force under Veterinary Public Notification No. 20 of 2026 and urged farmers, traders and transporters to comply fully with all veterinary requirements.
Meanwhile, the national FMD support fund has mobilised approximately N$16.2 million through donations and pledges from companies, organisations and individuals. Government says the contributions are strengthening disease-control interventions and helping protect Namibia’s livestock sector, rural livelihoods and agricultural economy.
Authorities have encouraged farmers and members of the public to report suspected cases immediately and remain vigilant as efforts continue to eradicate the outbreaks and safeguard the country’s livestock industry.
By Rudi Bowe
