The Namibian government has warned farmers in the //Kharas Region against independently vaccinating livestock or carrying out other disease-control measures as it intensifies efforts to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. The outbreak, first detected on 22 September, has recorded 79 positive samples across 11 farms. Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani said the government's disease-control strategy is being adjusted in response to the developing epidemiological situation.
As of 2 October, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) had received 531 samples for laboratory analysis, of which 79 tested positive and 450 negative. One sample remained unconfirmed pending laboratory testing. Zaamwani said vaccination of eligible livestock would be introduced within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance and strict movement controls. The vaccination programme will be implemented from the boundary of the containment zone towards the epicentre.
The government has deployed 13 surveillance teams, with 15 096 animals inspected by 2 October. Of 81 targeted farms, 66 had been inspected, while the remaining 15 were expected to be completed by 5 October. Livestock movements linked to 47 establishments within a 30-kilometre radius of affected areas have also been investigated, with tracing extending to approximately 50 kilometres from affected premises.
Farmers have been cautioned against taking matters into their own hands, with Zaamwani urging them not to undertake vaccination, animal movements or other disease-control interventions independently of the DVS. All such activities must be coordinated through the competent veterinary authorities. The ministry has also appealed to farmers, livestock traders, transporters, auctioneers, abattoirs and other stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary authorities.
The government has identified a funding requirement of N$190.18 million for the critical containment response to the outbreak. Of this amount, approximately N$47 million has been earmarked for the construction of about 290 kilometres of new disease-control fencing along a proposed route from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais. The proposed infrastructure is intended to strengthen separation between the containment zone and surrounding areas.
The outbreak has significant implications for farmers, livestock producers, exporters, abattoirs, meat processors and other businesses dependent on access to domestic and international markets. The government stated it is engaging trading partners on consignments that were already in transit, had recently arrived or were in storage before the outbreak was officially announced.
The ministry has urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and immediately report animals displaying signs that may be associated with FMD, while continuing to comply with veterinary instructions and movement restrictions. The timely removal of infected animals, where directed by veterinary authorities, remains an important component of the response, with Zaamwani noting that the destruction of livestock has serious consequences for the farmers concerned.
Key points
- The Namibian government seeks N$190.18 million to contain the FMD outbreak.
- The outbreak has recorded 79 positive samples across 11 farms.
- Farmers are warned against independent FMD interventions.
