Namibia manages Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak to protect livestock sector

Namibia is managing a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District of the Kharas Region. Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani addressed Parliament, noting that the disease affects the entire livestock value chain, including farmers, traders, abattoirs, and processors. To mitigate economic disruption, the Ministry issued Veterinary Public Notification No. 16 of 2026, which partially lifts movement controls because the disease appears localized to five farms.

The outbreak has triggered restrictions on the movement, marketing, slaughter, and export of cloven-hoofed animals. This has raised concerns regarding Namibia’s access to international beef markets. The European Union is currently assessing the outbreak to safeguard animal and public health within the EU. Ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins commended the Namibian authorities for a swift and transparent response.

Namibia is engaging with trading partners, including the EU, regarding meat shipments. Minister Zaamwani stated that the fate of affected consignments will depend on Namibia’s traceability systems and the specific import requirements of destination countries.