Namibia weighs FMD vaccine options amid regional outbreaks
As Namibian officials engage stakeholders on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine manufacturing, a regional executive at Latin American vaccine producer Biogénesis Bagó says the country is expected to carefully assess the risks before deciding whether to roll out vaccinations.
Speaking to Agrimonitor during last week’s NAMPO Harvest Day, the company’s regional director for Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Daniel Helou, said Namibia’s current FMD-free status gives it access to international export markets, something that could be affected by a vaccination programme.
“When you are free without vaccination, and you have all markets open for you, changing your status could suddenly close 50% of your markets. This is a major issue and requires a thorough risk assessment,” Helou said.
However, he warned that Namibia faces increasing pressure from outbreaks in neighbouring countries. “You are surrounded by outbreaks everywhere. Controlling the spread of the virus is very difficult because it is airborne and can travel more than 50 kilometres,” he said.
Helou added that the Namibian government appeared cautious but proactive in considering possible preventative measures. “The Namibian government is very aware of the situation and concerned about it. That is why it is searching for a solution that can help avoid the crisis South Africa is currently experiencing,” he said.
While herd immunity thresholds differ, Helou argued that vaccinating at least 50% of livestock would significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks.
“You can only stop an outbreak if you achieve herd immunity, and that can happen when about 50% of the herd is vaccinated,” he said.
During a media session at NAMPO, Dewald Olivier, chief executive of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), also discussed the possible benefits of countries participating in antigen banks as a preventative measure.
Helou said Biogénesis Bagó offers an antigen bank system in which vaccine material can be stored at ultra-low temperatures for up to 10 years.
“In an emergency, we can provide vaccines within seven days. It is a solution Namibia could adopt while remaining FMD-free without routine vaccination,” he said.
