Renthia Kaimbi
The government has suspended the import and export of all cloven-hoofed animals until further notice after 10 out of 11 cattle samples tested positive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the //Kharas Region.
The suspension forms part of immediate measures announced by acting minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Charles Mubita following the confirmation of an FMD outbreak within Namibia’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, with laboratory analysis conducted at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek.
Of the 11 samples tested, 10 returned positive results on 23 September, confirming an active FMD outbreak in the country’s FMD-free zone.
In addition to the suspension of imports and exports, the ministry has 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.
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.
The minister said restoring and normalising livestock marketing would remain a priority once the disease is brought under control.
South Africa has been battling a widespread Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has intensified across the region, with authorities previously warning that the disease posed a growing threat to Namibia because of the two countries’ shared border and cross-border livestock movement.
Namibia had stepped up surveillance, border controls and other preventive measures to protect its internationally recognised FMD-free zone.
The threat has now materialised, with the confirmation of an active outbreak involving the 10 positive cases.
Photo: Contributed
#WindhoekObserver
