FMD detected in Zambezi Region
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in cattle on Kalala Island in the Kabbe constituency of the Zambezi Region, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed.
Veterinary officials identified 20 cattle showing clinical signs of FMD on 5 October. Twelve samples were tested at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek, with all returning positive results on 7 October.
The ministry has activated the national FMD contingency plan and suspended the movement, marketing and trade of all cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products throughout the Zambezi Region.
All movement permits have been cancelled, while auctions, informal markets, local abattoirs and other livestock-gathering events have been suspended.
Roadblocks are bei
ng established to enforce the restrictions, while emergency vaccination has commenced in the affected area.
The ministry urged farmers and livestock owners to report suspected cases to their nearest State Veterinary Office and to cooperate with control measures.
