The Namibian government has announced plans to gradually ease restrictions imposed due to the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in certain areas. Acting agriculture minister Charles Mubita stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform will assess the extent of the outbreak and use the results of intensified surveillance to determine the easing of restrictions. This decision was made during a press conference on the FMD outbreak held on Saturday.
The restrictions, which were imposed on 23 September 2026, affect the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products across the country. Mubita revealed that veterinary officials from various offices across the country, including the private and public sectors, have been mobilised to intensify traceability, clinical examinations, and the collection of blood samples. This effort aims to contain the outbreak and assess its extent.
As part of a routine surveillance exercise, the ministry collected 199 animal samples between 22 and 25 September in the ||Kharas, Khomas, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Oshana regions. The results showed that 17 samples tested positive for FMD, with all positive results coming from the Karasburg State Veterinary District. The ministry is still analysing traceability data, which is only partially complete due to the ongoing 14-day incubation period.
Mubita stated that the outcome of the surveillance exercise will allow the ministry to determine how, where, and when the current restrictions will be eased. The easing of restrictions will be done in line with the Animal Health Act, 1 of 2011, and will be announced through a Veterinary Public Notice. The ministry will continue to conduct surveillance and other measures to contain the outbreak.
The public has been urged to cooperate with authorities as surveillance and other measures to contain the outbreak continue. Mubita emphasised the importance of collaboration in controlling the spread of the disease. The restrictions have been in place since 23 September, and the easing of these restrictions is expected to bring relief to affected communities.
The ministry's efforts to contain the outbreak include intensified traceability, clinical examinations, and the collection of blood samples. These measures aim to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. The analysis of traceability data is ongoing, and the ministry will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Namibian government has assured the public that it is working to contain the outbreak and ease restrictions as soon as possible. The easing of restrictions will be based on the results of the surveillance exercise and will be done in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. The public will be informed of any changes to the restrictions through official channels.
Key points
- The Namibian government will ease FMD restrictions based on surveillance results.
- The restrictions were imposed on 23 September 2026 and affect the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products.
- The ministry collected 199 animal samples, with 17 testing positive for FMD in the Karasburg State Veterinary District.
