The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) has called on its members to remain calm, comply strictly with veterinary restrictions and strengthen biosecurity measures as Namibia grapples with a confirmed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country’s internationally recognised FMD-free zone.

NAPHA president Hannes du Plessis, in a letter to members, acknowledged the outbreak’s potentially far-reaching impact but urged the hunting industry to focus on practical measures to contain the disease rather than spreading rumours or seeking loopholes in the restrictions.

The outbreak was confirmed on 23 September after 10 of 11 cattle sampled at a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the ǁKharas Region tested positive for FMD. The sam

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has since suspended Namibia’s FMD-free-zone status with effect from 22 September 2026 following notification of the outbreak.

Du Plessis said the veterinary control measures had not been introduced without preparation, pointing to work undertaken during the year by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), NAPHA and other stakeholders.

He commended those involved in preparing for such a situation and urged members to respect the measures announced by the DVS, as well as any further directives that may follow.

“Level-headed thinking, responsible leadership and common sense are needed from everyone,” he said.

Du Plessis specifically warned members against spreading rumours, creating unnecessary anxiety or attempting to circumvent the restrictions.

The DVS has introduced nationwide restrictions on the movement and marketing of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products, while imports, exports and transit movements have also been suspended. The measures form part of the national response to contain the outbreak.

Immediate consequences

The restrictions are expected to have immediate consequences for livestock producers and related industries, with livestock auctions and other events already being cancelled or postponed. Meatco has also suspended further beef exports affected by the restrictions.

Du Plessis acknowledged that the measures could affect businesses and short-term cash flow, but said the industry needed to consider the longer-term consequences.

He said the sacrifices being made were necessary to protect livelihoods, livestock and wildlife, as well as the future of Namibia’s agricultural and hunting industries.

Du Plessis also urged NAPHA members to strengthen and strictly enforce biosecurity measures on their farms.

He called on farmers to review existing procedures, ensure employees understand them and remain vigilant, stressing that biosecurity should not be viewed as a temporary response to the current outbreak.

Open discussions

He encouraged members to discuss the situation with employees and explain the importance of the restrictions and the role each person plays in preventing the disease from spreading. “A well-informed team is one of the most important safeguards we have,” Du Plessis said.

His comments come as veterinary authorities intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts to determine the extent of the outbreak and prevent further transmission.

Du Plessis said NAPHA would continue working with government, the NAU and other stakeholders to protect the interests of its members while ensuring that the national interest remains paramount.

He expressed confidence that Namibia could overcome the outbreak if farmers, businesses and the public worked together and complied with the measures imposed by veterinary authorities.

The outbreak represents a significant challenge for Namibia’s livestock and agricultural economy, with the Government warning that the suspension of livestock and livestock-product marketing could have serious economic and livelihood implications.

NAPHA said it could not yet comment further on the potential impact of the FMD outbreak on the hunting industry.