The Namibian government has confirmed an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the country's World Animal Health (WOAH)-recognised FMD-free zone. The disease was detected on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District during routine surveillance by veterinary officials. Eleven cattle showing clinical signs consistent with FMD were sampled on 22 September.
Laboratory analysis conducted at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek revealed that 10 out of 11 cattle samples tested positive for FMD on 23 September. As a result, the government has suspended the import and export of all cloven-hoofed animals until further notice. The suspension forms part of immediate measures announced by acting minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Charles Mubita.
In addition to the suspension of imports and exports, the ministry has also suspended the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products across the country. The measures have been introduced under the Animal Health Act, No. 1 of 2011, as authorities move to contain the outbreak. The directorate of Veterinary Services is expected to issue a Veterinary Public Notification outlining the control measures in greater detail.
The ministry warned that the outbreak could have serious implications for the national economy and the livelihoods of Namibians, particularly because of the suspension of livestock and livestock-product marketing both locally and internationally. The outbreak may affect the country's agricultural sector and impact the economy.
Mubita said the ministry would work to contain the disease within the shortest possible time and called on offices, ministries and agencies, the livestock industry, stakeholders, the public and other relevant institutions to cooperate in efforts to control the highly infectious disease. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in controlling the outbreak.
The threat of FMD has been a concern for Namibia, given its shared border with South Africa, which has been battling a widespread FMD outbreak. Namibia had previously stepped up surveillance, border controls and other preventive measures to protect its internationally recognised FMD-free zone. The country had taken proactive steps to mitigate the risk of FMD.
Restoring and normalising livestock marketing will remain a priority once the disease is brought under control, according to Mubita. The ministry's efforts will focus on containing the disease and resuming normal livestock trade. The Namibian government will work to restore the country's FMD-free status.
Key points
- The Namibian government has suspended the import and export of cloven-hoofed animals following the confirmation of an FMD outbreak in the country's FMD-free zone.
- The outbreak was detected on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District during routine surveillance by veterinary officials.
- The ministry has warned that the outbreak could have serious implications for the national economy and the livelihoods of Namibians.
