Amupanda demands answers on nationwide FMD restrictions

Renthia Kaimbi

National Assembly member Job Amupanda, through his lawyers Kadhila Amoomo Legal Practitioners, has demanded urgent clarification from the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform over the nationwide restrictions imposed following the detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) at a commercial farm in Karasburg in the //Kharas Region.

In a letter dated 24 September, Amupanda questions why the restrictions apply across the country when the reported outbreak is confined to a single farm within the FMD Free Zone, arguing that the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Redline) was established to separate disease-control and disease-free areas.

Among other things, he wants the ministry to explain the specific legal provisions supporting the nationwide suspension of livestock movement and imports and exports, whether a formal state of emergency has been declared, and what scientific or veterinary assessment justified extending restrictions to unaffected areas.

The letter also asks whether the restrictions affect domestic and customary slaughter for funerals, weddings and other traditional ceremonies, and what justification exists for such measures.

It further demands clarity on the economic impact of the suspension, possible compensation or financial relief for affected farmers and value-chain businesses, and the expected duration of the restrictions.

Amupanda is also calling for regular public updates on laboratory results, outbreak maps and containment progress, as well as consultation with farmers’ organisations and other industry stakeholders.

His lawyers have given the ministry seven days to respond, failing which they say further steps, including an urgent court application and/or raising the matter in parliament, may be considered.

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