Staff Reporter
A TOTAL of 127 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been detected across 15 farms in the //Kharas Region as of 5 October 2026.
This was announced by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during a high-level address on the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
“As of 5 October 2026, surveillance teams have inspected 29 313 animals across 68 farms. There are 127 confirmed positive cases across 15 farms. Twenty surveillance teams have been constituted, and 10 roadblocks established across the //Kharas Region to support the response,” she said.
This comes after the FMD outbreak was confirmed in the Karasburg District on 23 September 2026. By 2 October 2026, 79 FMD cases were confirmed positive across 11 farms.
The President revealed that Cabinet has directed the immediate implementation of the relevant provisions of the Animal Health Act and the strengthening of disease-control and biosecurity measures.
“The responsible institutions must act with urgency and coordinate their work to contain the outbreak,” she continued.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that the Critical Containment Response Plan, approved by Cabinet on 4 October 2026, includes establishing a containment buffer zone in the Karasburg Veterinary District to prevent the disease from spreading to unaffected regions.
“It also provides for repairs to the Namibia–Botswana border fence and the erection of veterinary cordon fencing in high-risk areas along the border with South Africa to strengthen animal movement control,” she said.
The President acknowledged the strain that movement restrictions and disruptions to trade are placing on farmers, workers and businesses. However, she urged the public to comply, as these measures are necessary to prevent the spread of FMD and protect unaffected herds, so that normal production and trade can resume as quickly and safely as possible.
“For many families, this uncertainty concerns their next income and their ability to sustain their livelihoods. These concerns must remain central to our response. The measures we take now are necessary to prevent wider losses and safeguard the industry’s recovery,” the President added.
She also acknowledged the financial pressures on farmers and businesses servicing loans with financial institutions, but assured that the Government will continue to assess these effects and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that this animal health crisis does not lead to prolonged financial distress for otherwise viable farmers and businesses.
“Through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, teams are conducting surveillance, testing, farm inspections and livestock movement tracing. Their findings will guide our decisions. Where conditions permit, restrictions may be adjusted. Where risks remain, controls will be maintained or strengthened. The Veterinary Public Notices issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services remain the official and authoritative source of animal health guidance. I urge all stakeholders to comply fully with these notices and cooperate with the officials implementing them,” the President said.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
