Namibian Government Lifts FMD Restrictions in Northern Parts of the Country
The government has lifted restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products in areas north of Namibia’s Veterinary Cordon Fence, following preliminary assessments of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the //Kharas Region.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said the decision takes effect immediately after tracing and livestock inspections found no evidence that the outbreak has spread beyond the //Kharas Region.
The Ministry said preliminary tracing indicates that the FMD outbreak remains localised to the Karasburg Veterinary District, with no evidence of transmission to areas north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
Authorities also traced livestock that had moved from the infected farm to the Otjozondjupa Region before the outbreak was detected. The animals were tested for FMD and returned negative results, clearing the herd of infection.
However, restrictions remain on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and products from south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence into northern areas.
The restricted products include livestock, meat, skins, unpasteurised milk, butter and kraal manure.
At the same time, the Ministry said existing protocols allowing certain processed animal products to move from the north to the south of the cordon will resume, in line with the Animal Health Act.
These include cooked meat, pasteurised milk and butter, subject to the applicable veterinary requirements.
The partial lifting of restrictions comes as authorities continue monitoring the FMD situation and assessing the extent of the outbreak in //Kharas.
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