Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has imposed a ban on the importation and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Germany in order to protect Namibia’s livestock industry.
The restriction follows a confirmed outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany on 10 January 2025.
The disease has been confirmed in a herd of water buffalo near Brandenberg, in the Markisch Odèland district of Germany (to the west of Berlin).
Announcing the measure, Johannes Shoopala, the acting chief veterinary officer, said the ban aims to safeguard Namibia’s prized animal health status.
“This decision is in line with the provisions of the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011, which prioritises the health and safety of our livestock,” Dr Shoopala said.
He stressed that the directive was not only necessary but urgent given the potential risk posed by the outbreak of the bovine disease in Europe.
The suspension covers a wide range of items, including fresh and frozen meat, unpasteurised milk, untreated hides and skins, and live cloven-hoofed animals.
Shoopala added that all previously issued veterinary import permits for these commodities have been revoked.
He reiterated that certain processed products could still be imported under strict conditions.
“Pasteurised milk, treated hides and skins, and processed meat products will be allowed, provided they meet the recommendations of the World Organisation for Animal Health and are deemed safe,” he explained.
He added that this balanced approach ensures that importers adhering to international standards are not unduly penalised.
Shoopala urged importers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and to cooperate with the Veterinary Services Directorate.
“Importers should ensure full compliance and seek guidance when necessary. Protecting our livestock sector requires a collective effort,” he added.
In this regard, the agriculture ministry urged importers to contact its offices for inquiries, further clarification, and stakeholder engagement until the situation returns to normal.
According to Shoopala, the decisive action is a demonstration of the importance Namibia ascribes to the safeguarding of national livestock resources from external threats and ensuring the sector remains resilient in the face of potential crises.
