Namibia has intensified measures to contain its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak near the South African border after confirmed infections increased to 127 cases across 15 farms, raising concerns about livestock movements, regional trade and the red meat industry.
The latest figures, announced by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 6 October, represent a significant increase from the 79 FMD-positive samples recorded across 11 farms, as reported by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani three days earlier.
To strengthen disease surveillance and containment, 20 surveillance teams have been deployed and 10 roadblocks established across the ǁKharas Region. By 5 October, the teams had inspected 29,313 animals across 68 farms, confirming 127 cases on 15 farms.
The SAT1 strain of FMD was initially detected during routine clinical surveillance in the Graswater area of the Karasburg State Veterinary District in late September.
The outbreak’s proximity to South Africa is a particular concern, given the importance of cross-border livestock trade to the regional red meat value chain.
Namibia strengthens border controls
Namibia’s Cabinet has approved a comprehensive containment response plan aimed at preventing the further spread of FMD beyond the affected areas.
The measures include establishing a containment buffer zone within the Karasburg State Veterinary District, repairing sections of the Namibia-Botswana border fence and constructing veterinary cordon fencing in high-risk areas along the Namibia-South Africa border.
According to President Nandi-Ndaitwah, the interventions are intended to strengthen livestock movement controls and protect herds in areas that have not yet been affected.
The government previously estimated that approximately R190 million would be required to implement its critical containment response plan.
Of this amount, approximately R47 million was earmarked for the construction of about 290km of disease-control fencing along a proposed route from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais.
The latest interventions build on measures announced by Zaamwani on 3 October, which include vaccinating eligible livestock within the designated containment zone, targeted culling, intensified surveillance and stricter animal movement controls.
Vaccination is expected to begin along the perimeter of the containment zone before progressing towards the outbreak’s epicentre.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has warned farmers against vaccinating or moving livestock without the involvement of the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
FMD outbreak threatens livestock trade
Beyond the immediate animal health concerns, the outbreak is creating growing challenges for Namibia’s livestock and meat export industries.
Namibia’s FMD-free status without vaccination has historically supported its access to lucrative international markets for livestock and livestock products. However, the detection of FMD within its recognised FMD-free zone has resulted in the suspension of this status.
The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat from Namibia’s previously recognised FMD-free zone. Restrictions also cover certain processed meat products and relevant farmed and wild ungulates.
However, some consignments remain eligible under transitional arrangements. Fresh meat consignments certified by Namibia’s veterinary authority before 23 September may enter the EU during a 90-day transitional period, subject to decisions by individual EU border control posts.
Certain processed meat products that have undergone prescribed risk-mitigating treatments may also remain eligible for entry.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that livestock movement restrictions and trade disruptions are placing increasing financial pressure on farmers, farmworkers and businesses across the sector.
She said the government’s immediate priority is to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission and protect unaffected herds to allow normal production and trade to resume as soon as safely possible.
The situation also has implications for South Africa, which imports weaner calves and slaughter sheep from Namibia. Extended restrictions on cross-border livestock movements could disrupt supply chains and place additional pressure on local livestock availability and red meat markets.
Compliance and livestock traceability remain critical
President Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged livestock owners, traders, transporters and auctioneers to comply with movement restrictions and cooperate fully with veterinary authorities.
She emphasised the importance of Namibia’s livestock traceability system in identifying potentially exposed animals, tracking movements and supporting informed disease-control decisions.
As containment efforts intensify, cooperation between farmers, industry stakeholders and veterinary authorities will remain essential to limiting the outbreak’s spread and protecting the region’s livestock industry.
