Staff Reporter
MEATCO has welcomed the partial easing of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, saying the latest developments demonstrate the importance of Namibia’s animal-health, surveillance and traceability systems in managing the outbreak and restoring parts of the livestock value chain.
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) said the revised measures announced by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) through Veterinary Public Notification No. 16 of 2026 provide for the partial lifting of restrictions north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and in areas south of the fence, excluding the //Kharas Region.
The measures also allow slaughter under prescribed veterinary and biosecurity conditions and permit the movement and trade of specified processed animal products countrywide.
Meatco said the announcement follows intensified surveillance, livestock inspection and traceability work by veterinary authorities, with preliminary findings indicating that the disease remains localised in the //Kharas Region.
Livestock that had moved from the infected farm to the Otjozondjupa Region before the outbreak was detected were traced and tested negative for FMD, allowing the herd to be cleared of infection.
According to Meatco, the developments demonstrate Namibia’s ability to respond to animal-health threats while progressively restoring parts of the livestock value chain to normal activity.
The company said the country’s animal-health, surveillance and traceability systems are particularly important to an export-oriented beef industry, as they help control disease, protect producer livelihoods, safeguard the national herd and maintain confidence in Namibian beef in domestic and international markets.
Meatco said it will continue to cooperate with the DVS and other stakeholders and align its procurement, slaughter and market activities with applicable veterinary requirements.
The company also stressed that the situation still requires vigilance and compliance with measures and guidance issued by veterinary authorities.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Meatco
