A Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak has been confirmed in Namibia's FMD-free zone, prompting the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) to call for a state of emergency. The outbreak was detected on a commercial farm in the //Kharas Region, with 10 out of 11 samples collected from cattle testing positive for FMD. The government has suspended the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals and their products across the country, as well as import and export of such animals.
Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has warned against the movement of meat from the FMD-affected south to northern Namibia. He questioned whether the outbreak should be used to reinforce divisions between the country's livestock-producing regions. Amupanda, a long-standing advocate for the removal of the veterinary cordon fence in northern Namibia, argued that animal disease control should not be used to "balkanize the country".
The NAU has called for strict adherence to the movement restrictions and will ask the government to declare a state of emergency over the outbreak. The union said the declaration is necessary due to the potential consequences for the livestock industry, rural communities, and the wider economy. The movement suspension covers cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and game, as well as products including hides, dairy products, and meat products.
The NAU has urged farmers, livestock transporters, buyers, and members of the public to comply with the restrictions and instructions issued by veterinary authorities. Suspected cases and any unauthorized movement of cloven-hoofed animals or their products must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian. The union also called on farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures and comply with directives from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and law-enforcement agencies.
Meatco managing director Albertus !Aochamub said the corporation was not yet in a position to assess the full impact of the outbreak on its operations or the livestock industry. He stated that the situation was still developing and that Meatco would comply with the measures issued by the relevant authorities. The government has warned that the outbreak could have serious implications for the national economy and livelihoods due to the suspension of livestock and livestock-product marketing locally and internationally.
The authorities have said restoring and normalizing livestock marketing will remain a priority once the disease is brought under control. The NAU supports the Chief Veterinary Officer and the DVS and will back measures required to restore Namibia's FMD-free status. The success of the containment effort will depend on strict compliance with the measures, with unauthorized animal movement, failure to report suspected cases, and inadequate biosecurity potentially undermining efforts to control the outbreak.
The FMD outbreak has triggered immediate disease-control measures under the Animal Health Act, with authorities seeking to contain the disease and protect livestock markets. The government has implemented measures to control the spread of the disease, and the NAU is working with farmers and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak and restore Namibia's FMD-free status.
Key points
- - The Namibia Agricultural Union has called for a state of emergency due to the FMD outbreak. - The government has suspended the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals and their products across the country. - Authorities are working to contain the disease and restore Namibia's FMD-free status.
