Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA is bolstering its preparedness against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) following outbreaks in neighbouring countries, with new measures aimed at preventing the highly contagious livestock disease from entering the country. The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), together with the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and key stakeholders, has restructured its response framework to enhance coordination, communication, and rapid action across the livestock sector.
Decisions made at an NAU Management Committee meeting focus on streamlining operations, integrating private sector partners, and ensuring that the NAU office is fully equipped to manage FMD-related challenges. Leadership roles in the FMD response have been clarified, with Jako van Wyk, chairperson of the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO), and Dawie Kok continuing to coordinate operations alongside Dr. Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar of the FMD Support Fund. Senior NAU analysts and newly appointed personnel have been tasked with overseeing all commodities and supporting response efforts.
The FMD Support Fund, managed collaboratively by Namibia’s four farmers’ unions and government agencies such as the DVS and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), provides financial and logistical support for containment measures. The NAU emphasised that the organisation’s role is advisory, guiding producers with accurate information rather than instructing on livestock management decisions.
A workshop convened by the LLPBN brought together veterinary authorities, commercial producers, and other key industry players to align preventive actions. High-risk areas along borders have been identified, with enhanced surveillance, upgraded disinfection equipment, and staff capacity improvements underway to minimise the threat of mechanical transmission.
Namibia currently remains FMD-free, including areas north of the veterinary cordon fence and the Zambezi protection zone. The task team established under the national FMD contingency plan, which includes representatives from the NAU and the FMD Support Fund, will ensure gaps are addressed and preventive measures are effectively implemented.
The NAU urged members to stay informed and communicate facts accurately to producers, helping to manage expectations and reduce panic as media attention grows. By maintaining strong coordination between government and the private sector, Namibia aims to safeguard its livestock industry and sustain its status as an FMD-free country in the SADC region.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
