Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA has declared a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control area in the //Kharas Region in a bid to safeguard its disease-free status and protect access to international beef export markets.
The declaration, published in Government Gazette No. 8866 on 17 March 2026 and signed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, establishes a controlled zone along the southern border near the Mata Mata Border Post and the Orange River, extending westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The move comes amid heightened concern over FMD activity in neighbouring countries and is aimed at preventing the introduction of the disease into Namibia’s FMD-free zone, which operates without vaccination and underpins access to premium export markets.
PICTURED: A designated foot-and-mouth disease control area has been established in the //Kharas Region, covering a 10-kilometre stretch south of the Mata Mata Border Post to the Orange River, as well as areas north of the river extending westwards to the Atlantic Ocean. Graphic: Government Gazette
Under the new measures, strict controls have been imposed on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, including livestock and wildlife. Animals may only be moved out of the control area with a valid veterinary permit and must undergo a minimum 30-day isolation period under veterinary supervision.
Farmers are also required to ensure proper animal identification through approved ear tags and registration on the Namibian Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS). In addition, animals must be removed from camps along the border fence and from the Orange River to minimise contact with potential sources of infection.
The movement of livestock feed is similarly restricted and subject to veterinary permits, while farms must have registered isolation facilities or designate entire premises for that purpose.
Authorities have warned that any reported FMD outbreak within 10 kilometres of Namibia’s border in neighbouring countries will result in the immediate suspension of all animal movement from the control area.
Additional biosecurity measures apply to visitors, including hunters, who are required to spend at least three days away from cloven-hoofed animals before entering farms. Vehicles and footwear must be thoroughly cleaned, and farm owners are required to disinfect all visitors and restrict contact with livestock.
The Ministry emphasised that compliance with the regulations is mandatory, with penalties for violations including fines of up to N$100 000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The declaration took immediate effect and will remain in force until amended or withdrawn by the Minister. Farmers, transporters, traders, and members of the public have been urged to fully comply with all directives issued by veterinary authorities.
