Staff Reporter
WITH the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) increasing in Namibia, livestock industry stakeholders are being urged to stay informed and actively support efforts to protect the country’s FMD-free zone. This status is vital for safeguarding Namibia’s meat export markets and trade opportunities.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), in collaboration with the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), will conduct an FMD awareness and strategy roadshow from 8 to 18 September in the !Karas, Omaheke and Hardap regions. The sessions aim to raise awareness and engage the entire livestock value chain in efforts to prevent an outbreak.
The meetings will serve as platforms for farmers and stakeholders to discuss risk factors, control measures at border points, and the potential impact of an outbreak. The campaign will target farmers, transporters, exporters, auctioneers, agents, and other role players, with a particular focus on producers along the southern border, who are key in disease prevention.
DVS is urging all stakeholders to attend these meetings and collaborate with veterinary authorities to safeguard Namibia’s FMD-free status.
For enquiries, contact Rina Hough at rina@nau.com.na
Meeting Schedule
All sessions are scheduled from 09:00 to 13:00:
- 8 September (Monday): Karasburg – Verre Suide Farmers’ Association Hall
- 10 September (Wednesday): Karasburg Communal Area (Bondelswartz) Gabis Roman Catholic Church Hall
- 11 September (Thursday): Aroab – Aroab Farmers’ Association Hall
- 12 September (Friday): Keetmanshoop – Central Lodge
- 15 September (Monday): Gobabis – Dutch Reformed (NG) Church Hall
- 16 September (Tuesday): Aminuis – Aminuis Auction Kraals
- 17 September (Wednesday): Akanous Mariental – Onder Nossob Farmers’ Association Hall
- 18 September (Thursday): Mariental – NLA Auction Pens
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: FAO Namibia
