Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani has expressed satisfaction with efforts to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District following a two-day assessment visit to the area.
During her visit, the Minister inspected roadblocks established at key exit points and junctions to evaluate the readiness of response teams and the availability of equipment needed to enforce disease-control measures. She praised officials for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out vehicle inspections and fumigation activities while treating travellers respectfully.
Although acknowledging that long queues have caused delays during peak travel periods, Zaamwani noted that most travellers understand the importance of the restrictions in preventing the spread of the disease. She announced plans to strengthen operations by recruiting temporary workers from the local community to support roadblock activities.
The Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining strict control measures around the clock and commended the cooperation between government agencies involved in the response.
Zaamwani, accompanied by //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze and Karasburg East Councillor James Hawanga, conducted a field inspection along the Orange River, where construction of a Veterinary Cordon Fence is underway. The fence, designed to help contain the outbreak, is expected to be completed within four months.
The delegation later met affected farmers in Karasburg to discuss challenges arising from the outbreak and identify areas for collaboration between the farming community and government.
The Minister also visited the Directorate of Veterinary Services office and a campsite established for vaccination teams preparing to deploy to the outbreak epicentre. Vaccination activities are expected to begin once schedules are finalised with relevant stakeholders.
Zaamwani praised veterinary officials, the Namibian Police Force, the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, and volunteers for their commitment to controlling the outbreak.
The Ministry further thanked farmers and communities in the affected corridor for their cooperation and urged livestock owners to comply with movement restrictions and report suspected cases immediately.
By Rudi Bowe
