Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform needs about N$190.2 million to contain the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Karasburg area of the //Kharas Region, Minister Inge Zaamwani has said.
The response includes the construction of a 290km disease-control fence from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais to strengthen separation between the containment zone and surrounding areas.
In less than two weeks since FMD was detected on 22 September, 79 samples tested positive across 11 farms, while 450 tested negative, Zaamwani said in a statement on Saturday.
Laboratory investigations confirmed FMD serotype SAT 1 at a farm in the Graswater area, where the disease was first detected during routine clinical surveillance.
Zaamwani said the Ministry continues to intensify surveillance, livestock tracing, laboratory testing and movement-control measures to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to other parts of the country.
FMD RESPONSE: Surveillance teams from the Directorate of Veterinary Services are intensifying Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control measures, incoming and outgoing vehicles are being inspected, searched and disinfected to reduce the risk of transmission. The teams are also conducting farm inspections, livestock movement tracing, animal examinations, sample collection and testing, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures. Photos: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform
Current epidemiological evidence indicates that confirmed infections remain concentrated within the Karasburg State Veterinary District, but investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent and whether livestock movements may have contributed to potential exposure beyond affected farms.
The Ministry has deployed 13 surveillance teams. As at 2 October, a total of 15,096 animals had been inspected, while 66 farms from a targeted 81 had been inspected. The remaining 15 farms are expected to be completed by 5 October.
Livestock movements associated with 47 establishments within a 30km radius of the affected areas have been investigated, extending to approximately 50km from affected premises.
Government will now incorporate vaccination of eligible livestock within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance and strict movement controls. The vaccination will proceed from the periphery of the containment zone towards the epicentre.
Zaamwani urged farmers not to undertake vaccination, animal movements or other disease-control interventions independently of the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
The timely removal of infected animals, where directed by veterinary authorities, remains an important component of the response.
Namibia’s FMD-free zone without vaccination has historically supported access to international markets. The detection of FMD within the recognised free zone has resulted in the suspension of the country’s FMD-free status, with significant implications for market access and trade.
The Ministry is engaging trading partners to address the status of consignments already in transit, recently arrived or in storage before the outbreak was announced.
Zaamwani appealed to livestock farmers, traders, transporters, auctioneers and abattoirs to cooperate fully with veterinary authorities, observe quarantine and movement restrictions, provide accurate information on livestock movements and immediately report animals showing signs associated with FMD.
