Seventeen animal samples collected during intensified foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) surveillance in Namibia have tested positive, with all cases confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the ǁKharas Region. Acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita announced the results at a media conference at State House on September 26, 2026. The positive samples were among 199 collected between September 22 and 25 across several regions. Mubita stated that traceability, clinical examinations, and further testing were underway to determine the outbreak's extent.
The FMD outbreak was initially confirmed on September 23 after 10 of 11 samples from a commercial farm in Karasburg tested positive. The affected farm, with 65 cattle, and surrounding farms remain under strict monitoring. Of the 199 samples collected, 117 were from Karasburg, 50 from Gobabis, 30 from Otjiwarongo, and one each from Windhoek and Ondangwa. Mubita said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform had mobilised veterinary officials to intensify surveillance and collect samples.
Traceability work identified four cattle that had moved from the affected farm in Karasburg to the Otjozondjupa Region. These four animals were among 30 cattle tested on September 24, with the remaining 26 sampled as a precaution. All 30 samples tested negative for FMD. Mubita stated that the aim was to establish the infection's extent and determine when restrictions could be eased. An announcement would be made once sufficient results were available.
The Government has imposed nationwide restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products, activating Namibia's FMD Contingency Plan. FMD is classified as a notifiable and state-controlled disease under the Animal Health Act of 2011. Mubita said restrictions were necessary to assess the disease's spread and contain it. The analysis of traceability data from the affected farm and surrounding areas is still incomplete, as the 14-day incubation period has not yet elapsed.
Mubita warned that FMD could have severe economic consequences, disrupting livestock marketing and the agricultural value chain. The disease can affect household incomes, food security, and rural livelihoods, while prolonged restrictions can pressure employment and businesses dependent on livestock production and trade. The outbreak occurred within Namibia's internationally recognised FMD-free zone, increasing the potential impact on livestock trade and export markets.
The Ministry, with support from the livestock industry, has established an FMD Support Fund to help finance measures to contain and manage the outbreak. Mubita appealed for contributions from the public, private and public sectors, and development partners. Contributions can be directed to specific bank accounts, with contact details provided for Dr Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar.
Mubita urged Namibians to cooperate fully with veterinary authorities during ongoing surveillance and traceability work. The Government will continue providing updates as new information becomes available. The Ministry aims to contain the outbreak and mitigate its economic impact through collaborative efforts and public support.
Key points
- - 17 FMD-positive samples confirmed in Karasburg State Veterinary District - Nationwide restrictions imposed to contain the disease - FMD Support Fund established to finance containment and management efforts
