DVS vaccinates over 42 000 cattle in Zambezi

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has vaccinated 42 286 cattle in the Zambezi Region as part of intensified efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak confirmed on Kalala Island earlier this month.

Veterinary teams are visiting affected and surrounding areas of the Kabbe constituency to vaccinate livestock, strengthen surveillance and implement disease control measures to prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed that the outbreak was detected on 6 October 2026, prompting the introduction of vaccination, surveillance and restrictions on livestock movement within the designated Disease Management Area.

Romeo Muyunda, deputy director in the ministry, said the vaccination campaign and other interventions are aimed at containing the outbreak and protecting livestock in the region.

As at 21 October, a total of
42 286 cattle had been vaccinated at 34 crush pens across the affected and surrounding areas.

Muyunda said no new cases had been reported outside the designated Disease Management Area, while active surveillance continues to monitor the situation.

The DVS has also established roadblocks at Luhonono and Nakabolelwa, jointly manned by veterinary officials and the Namibian Police Force, to enforce livestock movement restrictions and prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.

Farmers are urged to cooperate with veterinary teams, comply with movement restrictions, and report suspected cases of FMD to their nearest State Veterinary Office.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Although it does not pose a significant public health risk to humans, it can cause serious economic losses for livestock farmers and disrupt livestock trade.

The ministry has called on farmers, traditional authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to work closely with veterinary officials to ensure the effective implementation of disease control measures.

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