No new FMD cases

As of yesterday, Namibia had not recorded any new cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in both the affected //Kharas and Zambezi regions, as government’s vaccination drive has now reached more than 61 000 cattle across the two regions.

Agriculture ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the country’s FMD containment efforts and overall response to the virus is paying off, as cases are still 131 across 18 infected farms in the //Kharas region and 1 300 across 18 crush pens in the Zambezi region.

All //Kharas cases are confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District, while the Zambezi outbreak remains geographically confined to the areas of Kalala Island.

The country is currently managing two separate, epidemiologically unrelated FMD outbreaks in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions, which have prompted nationwide trade restrictions and the suspension of the country’s internationally recognised FMD-free status.

In the //Kharas region, laboratory results confirmed that the FMD virus circulating in the Karasburg State Veterinary District is the Southern African Territory 1 (SAT 1) serotype, while the Zambezi region grappling with FMD Serotype O & SAT.

Containment efforts by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is yielding the desired results, as the first round of vaccination has reached over 61 000 cattle across the two regions, with 7,402 cattle on 81 farms vaccinated in //Kharas and more than 53 913 cattle across 37 crush pens vaccinated in Zambezi.

“In //Kharas, the FMD vaccination campaign commenced on 17 October 2026 in the //Kharas Region, with 19 vaccination teams deployed to vaccinate approximately 13 000 heads of cattle. As of 28 October 2026, 7 402 cattle had been vaccinated across 81 farms. As of 28 October 2026, a total of 53 913 cattle across 37 crush pens have been vaccinated within a 30-kilometre radius of the affected area in the Zambezi, including the surrounding areas. No new FMD cases have been reported outside the designated disease management area. The outbreak remains confined to Kalala Island, with active surveillance ongoing to monitor the disease situation and detect any potential spread,” said Muyunda.

**//Kharas efforts **

The DVS is continuing surveillance and trace-back and trace-forward investigations using the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS).

The second round of surveillance has begun, with 10 farms inspected and sampled so far. Surveillance is also being strengthened north of the B3 road, beyond the compulsory vaccination area. The vaccination campaign began on 17 October, with 19 teams deployed to vaccinate an estimated 13 000 cattle.

It covers farms and establishments south of the B3 road between Ariamsvlei and Grünau, and the C10 road leading to Ai-Ais, extending south to the Orange River. A buffer band of two farms north of the B3 is also included.

Eighteen stationary roadblocks and veterinary checkpoints remain operational across //Kharas, Hardap, Khomas and Otjozondjupa to enforce livestock movement restrictions.

**Zambezi response **

Active surveillance is continuing to monitor for any spread and roadblocks at Luhonono and Nakabolelwa are jointly staffed by DVS officials and the Namibian Police to enforce movement restrictions.

Movement rules differ by region and by the type and origin of animals or products. Muyunda said cloven-hoofed animals and their products may generally move within areas north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, except in the Zambezi region, where specific restrictions apply.

Eligible animal products and animal feed may move from north of the fence to the south, subject to veterinary protocols.

For //Kharas, raw meat and animal products from registered facilities outside the region may be brought in for retail or personal consumption if accompanied by valid supporting documents, but movement of raw products from facilities within the region remains restricted.

Meat bought from retailers in //Kharas may be transported for personal consumption if proof of purchase is available. Registered processed animal feed may also be moved into and within the region with proof of purchase.

South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, excluding //Kharas, animals at registered feedlots and quarantine facilities may be moved directly to registered abattoirs under permit, subject to biosecurity requirements, NamLITS tracing and clinical examination.

Negative FMD test results are required before movement. Home slaughter for personal or household consumption is permitted, but the meat must remain at the premises where the animal was slaughtered. On-farm or homestead slaughter for commercial sales remains prohibited.

Meanwhile, raw meat from cloven-hoofed animals slaughtered at registered abattoirs south of the fence may be moved within the southern area and into //Kharas, subject to veterinary requirements.

The movement and trade of specified processed products, including commercially produced cooked meat, biltong and droëwors from registered facilities, pasteurised dairy products, and treated hides and trophies, remain permitted under applicable protocols.

Imports and transit of raw meat and other animal products require relevant veterinary permits and health documentation. Animals ready for export may be exported, except from //Kharas, subject to the destination country’s requirements.

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