Veterinary Services to hold FMD information sessions

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), under the ministry of agriculture, will hold a series of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) information sessions in the //Kharas Region starting today, 22 October, until Saturday.

The sessions will update livestock stakeholders on the outbreak and measures intended to contain its spread.

Topics will include proposed containment zones, mandatory vaccination, livestock movement restrictions, biosecurity requirements, and plans to restore livestock marketing and market access.

The DVS is urging farmers, stakeholder organisations, traditional authorities, law enforcement agencies, food businesses, retailers, abattoir operators and community leaders to attend and encourage their members to participate.

The directorate yesterday said cooperation and compliance with veterinary instructions are essential to protecting animal health and supporting the livestock sector’s recovery.

The DVS also issued biosecurity precautions for those attending the scheduled meetings, which include cleaning and disinfecting vehicle wheels and undercarriages using an appropriate disinfectant, such as a washing-soda solution.

Another precaution is wearing clean clothing that has not been worn while handling livestock and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting footwear before entering the meeting venues. More information on disinfection procedures and instructions will be provided at the meeting venues.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, 22 October: Regional stakeholder engagement on FMD and proposed animal disease control measures, Regional Council Hall, Keetmanshoop, 09h00–13h00.

Thursday, 22 October: Farmers’ information session, Schuetzenhaus, Keetmanshoop, 14h00–18h00.

Friday, 23 October: Farmers’ information session, Aroab Farmers Association Hall, 09h00–13h00.

Saturday, 24 October: Farmers’ information session, Verre Suide Farmers Association Hall, 09h00–13h00.

Under Public Veterinary Notice No. 20 of 2026, raw meat and animal products coming from registered, unaffected facilities outside the hard-hit //Kharas region are permitted to move to retailers or for personal consumption if accompanied by valid documentation.

However, the movement of raw meat within or out of the //Kharas region remains entirely restricted.

Emergency vaccination has commenced in the immediate containment zones.

However, authorities have explicitly warned that the illegal import or unauthorised use of FMD vaccines in designated FMD-free zones is strictly prohibited.

–[email protected]

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