Namibia loses FMD-free status, exports halted
Since its confirmation on 23 September, the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia has grown into a significant regional livestock trade concern. It emerged within the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)-recognised FMD-free zone, specifically in the Karasburg State Veterinary District of the Kharas Region.
This has prompted the suspension of Namibia’s recognised FMD-free status and halted exports to key markets including South Africa, the European Union, China, and the United States. For Namibian farmers, extended restrictions on animal movement threaten cash flow, breeding programmes, marketing opportunities, and livelihoods.
Compliance and Support
Containing the outbreak must remain the immediate priority, but it is equally important that affected producers receive meaningful support and that authorities remain focused on restoring market confidence as quickly as possible. The first and most important obligation for farmers is to report any suspected FMD cases immediately.
Any delays in reporting not only increase the risk of spread but may also expose producers to legal and regulatory consequences if authorities determine that information was withheld. Farmers must also comply fully with movement restrictions, quarantine requirements, and official instructions issued by authorities.
Enhanced biosecurity measures should be implemented, including visitor controls, access management, vehicle and equipment disinfection, and strict procedures for contractors and other third parties entering or leaving the farm. For accurate traceability, farmers should ensure that animal identification records, movement records, and farm registers are accurate and up to date.
Lessons from Neighboring Countries
Namibia can draw valuable lessons from Botswana’s risk-based approach in managing recurring FMD outbreaks. Rather than relying solely on blanket restrictions, Botswana has used surveillance data to determine where disease is present and where commercial activity can safely continue under strict controls.
The focus on traceability has been a key component of this strategy. Botswana’s animal tracking systems enable authorities to quickly identify potentially affected animals, support surveillance efforts, and give trading partners confidence that outbreaks can be accurately mapped and contained.
Disease management has become a regional challenge, and long-term containment will depend not only on national measures but also on stronger regional cooperation and information sharing. Botswana and South Africa have already strengthened cross-border cooperation around surveillance, traceability, and coordinated disease management.
Considering Namibia’s outbreak is unfolding at a time when FMD has continued to affect multiple Southern African countries, this regional approach is key. The government has estimated that approximately N$190.2 million will be required for the containment response, including around N$47 million earmarked for the construction of 290km of disease-control fencing.
Recent interventions through the FMD Support Fund, which has mobilised more than N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits, and field equipment to support veterinary teams operating in the affected areas, illustrate the type of coordinated industry response required.
For farmers facing prolonged movement restrictions and significant commercial losses, meaningful support will be just as critical as compliance if Namibia is to emerge from this crisis with both its livestock sector and international market reputation intact. Authorities have already begun partially lifting certain restrictions after surveillance and tracing indicated that the outbreak remains localised within the Kharas Region.
