Namibia confirms foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Zambezi Region

Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Zambezi Region, specifically at Kalala Island in the Kabbe constituency. Following an investigation on 5 October where 20 cattle displayed clinical signs, 12 samples were tested at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek. All 12 samples returned positive results on 7 October.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has activated the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Contingency Plan. To contain the spread, authorities have suspended the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals—including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs—and their raw products within the Zambezi Region. All existing livestock movement permits have been cancelled, and livestock auctions, informal markets, and animal-gathering activities are prohibited.

While slaughtering at local abattoirs and social events is suspended, slaughtering at export abattoirs under Commodity-Based Trade arrangements may continue for cattle currently in quarantine that meet specific traceability conditions. This outbreak follows a recent FMD detection in the //Kharas Region, prompting intensified surveillance and the establishment of strategic roadblocks to prevent unauthorized animal movement.