The Namibian government has estimated that N$190.2 million is needed to contain the country's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The funds will be used for various measures, including the construction of 290km of disease-control fencing between Ariamsvlei, Karasburg, and Ai-Ais at a cost of around N$47 million. The outbreak, confirmed as FMD serotype SAT 1, has been concentrated in the Karasburg veterinary district in the //Kharas region.
As of October 2, 79 samples had tested positive for FMD across 11 farms in Namibia, with over 15,000 animals inspected. The outbreak has led to the suspension of Namibia's FMD-free status, which may threaten the country's access to international markets for livestock and livestock products. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani stated that the country's FMD-free zone without vaccination had historically supported access to international markets.
The detection of FMD within the recognised free zone has significant implications for international market access and trade. Minister Zaamwani warned that the economic impact of the outbreak extends beyond farmers, affecting livestock producers, exporters, abattoirs, meat processors, and other businesses that depend on access to domestic and international markets. The ministry is working to mitigate these impacts.
To combat the outbreak, the ministry is introducing vaccination alongside targeted culling, increased surveillance, and tighter controls on livestock movements. The government is engaging with trading partners over livestock and meat consignments that were already in transit, had recently arrived, or were in storage before the outbreak was announced.
Minister Zaamwani recognised the serious consequences of culling for affected farmers but emphasised that it remains necessary to limit transmission. The government has urged farmers, livestock traders, transporters, auctioneers, and abattoirs to comply with quarantine and movement restrictions while investigations continue. The goal is to protect the wider livestock population and prevent further transmission.
The outbreak has put pressure on Namibia's livestock trade, and the government is working to contain the disease. The construction of disease-control fencing and other measures are part of a comprehensive response to the outbreak. The ministry's efforts aim to restore Namibia's FMD-free status and ensure continued access to international markets.
The Namibian government is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. With the suspension of the country's FMD-free status, the government is working to implement measures that will help restore the country's status and minimise the economic impact on the livestock industry.
Key points
- The Namibian government estimates that N$190.2 million is needed to contain the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
- The outbreak has led to the suspension of Namibia's FMD-free status, threatening access to international markets.
- The government is introducing vaccination, targeted culling, increased surveillance, and tighter controls on livestock movements to combat the outbreak.
