The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has introduced strict movement controls while veterinary authorities and farmers work to determine how far the foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak may have spread.
The measures are aimed at containing the outbreak and protecting Namibia’s livestock industry.
Since FMD is a highly contagious animal disease, the current restrictions are focused on preventing the movement of potentially infected animals and materials that could spread the virus.
The DVS has instructed that there must be no movement of animals or raw animal products, with the exception of pasteurised or precooked products from certifi
ed plants. Furthermore, the transportation of grass, hay and other organic material that could potentially carry the virus has also been suspended.
Trucks transporting non-cloven-hoofed animals must undergo the required disinfection procedures and have the necessary permits. Vehicles already transporting animals or animal products have been instructed to return to their point of origin.
Farmers have also been asked to avoid routine gatherings of animals, including for routine veterinary visits. Animals returning from auctions or other gatherings must be isolated, with responsibility resting with both the owner and the state veterinarian.
Movement permits
Movement permits during the current restrictions can only be obtained manually through the relevant district State Veterinary Office.
Farmers are also being urged to strengthen basic biosecurity by disinfecting footwear and vehicle tyres when entering and leaving farms and to report suspected cases to their local state veterinarian or private veterinarian.
The restrictions are particularly important while authorities establish the extent of the outbreak.
Rather than speculating about how far the disease has spread, consumers can help by avoiding unnecessary movement of livestock or animal products and by relying on information from veterinary authorities.
The outbreak comes at a sensitive time for Namibia’s livestock industry, which remains an important contributor to the economy and export markets.
The immediate priority, however, is containment.
Consumers do not need to respond to the outbreak by emptying meat counters or buying more meat than they normally would.
