Renthia Kaimbi
Farmers in the //Kharas Region have been warned against independently vaccinating livestock or carrying out other disease-control measures as the government intensifies efforts to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which has so far recorded 79 positive samples across 11 farms.
Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani said vaccination of eligible livestock would be introduced within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance and strict movement controls.
The outbreak was first detected on 22 September during routine clinical surveillance at a farm in the Graswater area, with laboratory investigations confirming the presence of FMD.
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 the government’s disease-control strategy was being adjusted in response to the developing epidemiological situation.
“In view of the spread of the disease within the Karasburg District and the need to strengthen containment, the ministry will incorporate vaccination of eligible livestock within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance and strict movement controls,” she said.
The vaccination programme will be implemented from the boundary of the containment zone towards the epicentre, with the ministry saying the approach is intended to strengthen protection around the affected area while reducing the risk of further spread.
However, farmers have been cautioned against taking matters into their own hands.
“Farmers are urged 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,” Zaamwani said.
The warning comes as the government expands surveillance and livestock tracing operations in the affected area.
The DVS 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.
The ministry has also appealed to farmers, livestock traders, transporters, auctioneers, abattoirs and other stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary authorities, comply with quarantine orders and movement restrictions, and provide accurate information on livestock movements.
Zaamwani said the timely removal of infected animals, where directed by veterinary authorities, remains an important component of the response.
“The destruction of livestock has serious consequences for the farmers concerned. Nevertheless, these interventions must be assessed in the context of protecting the wider livestock population and preventing further transmission,” she said.
Meanwhile, the government stated it 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.
According to Zaamwani, the proposed infrastructure is intended to strengthen separation between the containment zone and surrounding areas and support enforcement of livestock movement controls.
The minister said the scale of the outbreak response requires additional financial, logistical and institutional investment.
The government’s containment measures come in light of a suspension of Namibia’s relevant FMD-free status following the detection of the disease within the country’s recognised FMD-free zone.
The development has significant implications for farmers, livestock producers, exporters, abattoirs, meat processors and other businesses dependent on access to domestic and international markets.
The government further said 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.
