FMD puts N$190m bill on Namibia
Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is putting pressure on the country’s livestock trade after its recognised FMD-free status was suspended, threatening access to international markets.
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani said the outbreak had been confirmed as FMD serotype SAT 1 and remained concentrated in the Karasburg veterinary district in the //Kharas region.
As of 2 October, 79 samples had tested positive across 11 farms, while more than 15,000 animals had been inspected.
“Namibia’s FMD-free zone without vaccination has historically supported access to international markets for livestock and livestock products,” Ms Zaamwani said.
“The detection of FMD within the recognised free zone has resulted in the suspension of the country's relevant FMD-free status, with significant implications for international market access and trade.”
The government estimates that N$190.2 million is needed for the containment response, including about N$47 million for 290km of disease-control fencing between Ariamsvlei, Karasburg and Ai-Ais.
The ministry is also introducing vaccination alongside targeted culling, increased surveillance and tighter controls on livestock movements.
Ms Zaamwani warned that the economic impact extends beyond farmers.
“This development presents challenges for farmers, livestock producers, exporters, abattoirs, meat processors and other businesses that depend on access to domestic and international markets,” she said.
The ministry is engaging trading partners over livestock and meat consignments that were already in transit, had recently arrived or were in storage before the outbreak was announced.
Ms Zaamwani said the government recognised the consequences of culling for affected farmers but argued that it remained necessary to limit transmission.
“We recognise that the destruction of livestock has serious consequences for the farmers concerned. Nevertheless, these interventions must be assessed in the context of protecting the wider livestock population and preventing further transmission.”
The government has urged farmers, livestock traders, transporters, auctioneers and abattoirs to comply with quarantine and movement restrictions while investigations continue.
