Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has imposed immediate restrictions on the importation and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from several zones in Botswana following confirmed outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Kenneth Kennedy Shoombe of the Directorate of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform announced the restriction. According to the ministry, the measure affects animals and animal products, including items intended for personal or household consumption, originating from zones 1, 1a, 2a–2f, 3a, 3b, 3c, 6a, 6b, 7 and 16 in Botswana.
The ministry said the decision follows confirmation of FMD outbreaks in Botswana, as reported through the World Animal Health Information System and an updated report issued by Botswana’s Veterinary Authority on 4 March 2026.
The movement restriction aims to mitigate the risk of the Foot and Mouth Disease virus being introduced into Namibia.
However, the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, animal products and other restricted materials from zones 4a, 4b, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12a and 13 will still be permitted, provided that importers obtain a veterinary import permit.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: The Botswana Gazette
