The recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Namibia has led to the cancellation and postponement of livestock auctions nationwide, causing severe financial pressure on farmers, particularly those in the Kharas region. The disease, highly contagious and affecting cloven-hoofed animals, has resulted in significant financial concerns for farmers who rely on auction sales to cover monthly expenses and maintain their herds and infrastructure.
Lelanie Losper, a farmer in the Karasburg area, expressed concerns about the financial impact of the auction cancellations, stating that many farmers depend on these sales to cover their monthly expenditures. The postponement or cancellation of auctions will deeply hurt farmers without financial reserves, Losper said, adding that they will need to rely on their financial reserves to implement measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The outbreak was confirmed on a farm near Karasburg, with 17 head of cattle out of 199 testing positive for foot-and-mouth disease in the Karasburg veterinary district. All confirmed cases are reportedly confined to this district. The government has since instituted an immediate nationwide suspension on the movement, marketing, trade, import, export, and transit of all cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products.
Agra Auctions announced the cancellation of all livestock auctions nationwide due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with the suspension in place until 2 October, pending further veterinary guidance. The company also cancelled the Gobabis Livestock Show auction and stopped livestreaming the event, apologizing for any inconvenience caused and thanking viewers for their understanding.
The company urged livestock producers to remain informed, follow official veterinary directives, and strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms. Strict observance of biosecurity measures, responsible animal movement, and early reporting will be key for producers, buyers, and others involved in the livestock auction industry, Agra Auctions said.
Other auctioneers, including Windhoek Livestock Auctioneers and Namibia Livestock Auctioneers, have postponed all scheduled auctions until further notice. Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Charles Mubita confirmed the outbreak, stating that 199 samples were collected from across the country, including 117 from the Kharas region.
Farmers and livestock producers are advised to remain in contact with livestock auction representatives for information on upcoming marketing activities and changes to scheduled auctions. The situation highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation among farmers, auctioneers, and veterinary services to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and prevent its spread.
Key points
- The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has resulted in the cancellation and postponement of livestock auctions nationwide.
- The outbreak has caused significant financial pressure on farmers, particularly those in the Kharas region.
- Farmers and livestock producers are urged to strengthen biosecurity measures and follow official veterinary directives.
