Namibia has confirmed 17 cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Karasburg area, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. The cases were detected during intensified surveillance efforts, with 199 animal samples collected between September 22 and 25. All positive cases are confined to the Karasburg veterinary district in the //Kharas region. The ministry's acting minister, Charles Mubita, announced the development during a media conference at the State House.
The outbreak was initially confirmed on September 23 after 10 out of 11 samples from a commercial farm in the Karasburg district tested positive. The farm, which has 65 cattle, and surrounding farms are under strict monitoring. Mubita stated that surveillance, clinical examinations, and further testing are underway to determine the extent of the outbreak. The ministry has mobilized veterinary officials from across the country, including private and public sector practitioners, to enhance surveillance and track animal movements.
A total of 117 samples were collected in Karasburg, 50 in Gobabis, 30 in Otjiwarongo, one in Windhoek, and one in Ondangwa. All 17 positive cases came from the Karasburg veterinary district. Four cattle that were moved from the affected farm to the Otjozondjupa region tested negative for FMD. The remaining 26 animals, which were not linked to the affected farm, were also tested and found to be negative.
The government has activated Namibia's FMD emergency plan and imposed nationwide restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products. FMD is classified as a notifiable and state-controlled disease under the Animal Health Act of 2011. Mubita emphasized that the restrictions are necessary to assess the disease's spread and implement measures to contain it. The analysis of traceability data from the affected farm and surrounding areas is ongoing, with the 14-day incubation period yet to expire.
Mubita warned that FMD can have severe economic consequences, disrupting the marketing of livestock and the broader agricultural value chain. The disease can impact household income, food security, and rural livelihoods, while prolonged restrictions may pressure employment and businesses dependent on livestock production and trade. The outbreak occurred within Namibia's internationally recognized FMD-free zone, increasing the potential impact on livestock trade and export markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has established an FMD support fund, with assistance from the livestock sector, to help finance measures to contain and manage the outbreak. Mubita appealed to the public, private and public sectors, and development partners to contribute to the fund. Donations can be made through designated bank accounts at FNB Namibia and Bank Windhoek.
Mubita urged Namibians to cooperate fully with veterinary authorities as surveillance and traceability work continues. The government will provide updates as new information becomes available. The ministry has provided contact details for Dr. Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar at +264 81 127 6161 for information on contributions to the support fund.
Key points
- The Namibian government has confirmed 17 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the Karasburg area, prompting nationwide restrictions on animal movement.
