Namibia intensifies containment of foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

Namibia is intensifying containment efforts following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the southern Kharas Region. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reported 127 confirmed cases across 15 farms, identified as the SAT 1 serotype. In response, the government has deployed 20 surveillance teams and 10 roadblocks, and plans to establish a containment buffer zone in the Karasburg Veterinary District. Additional measures include repairing the Namibia-Botswana border fence and erecting veterinary cordon fencing along the South African border.

Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani stated that livestock auctions may gradually resume once authorities are confident the outbreak is contained within the Karasburg district. While some trading has resumed for animals in quarantine or those already in kraals, the full reopening of auctions depends on successful containment and coordination with South African authorities. Technical officials from both nations are currently discussing the protocols required to expedite the resumption of auction trading.

The outbreak, confirmed on September 23, has suspended Namibia’s recognized FMD-free status, threatening international access to its livestock and meat markets. The government is currently engaging with the European Union and other trading partners regarding meat consignments produced prior to the outbreak's confirmation.