FMD threatens livestock trade

Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first confirmed in September 2026, has developed into a significant regional livestock trade issue. The outbreak occurred in the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recognised FMD-free zone in the Karasburg State Veterinary District of the //Kharas Region, prompting the suspension of Namibia’s recognised disease-free status and disrupting exports to key markets, including South Africa, the European Union, China and the United States.

For Namibian farmers, prolonged movement restrictions threaten cash flow, breeding programmes, marketing opportunities and livelihoods. While containing the outbreak must remain the immediate priority, affected producers also need meaningful support, and authorities must work to restore confidence among international trading partners.

Compliance obligations during the outbreak

Farmers should immediately report any suspected cases of FMD to the relevant veterinary authorities. Early detection and reporting are essential to containing the disease. Delays can increase the risk of transmission and may expose producers to legal or regulatory consequences if they fail to comply with applicable reporting requirements.

Farmers must also observe movement restrictions, quarantine requirements and official instructions. Biosecurity measures should include isolating affected herds, controlling visitors and access to farms, disinfecting vehicles and equipment, and enforcing strict procedures for contractors and other third parties entering or leaving affected properties.

Accurate records are equally important. Farmers should ensure that animal identification, movement records and farm registers are complete and up to date. Veterinary authorities rely on this information to trace potential transmission routes and assess whether the outbreak remains localised.

Producers should not undertake disease-control measures outside the framework established by veterinary authorities. Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani has warned farmers against vaccinating livestock independently of the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), emphasising the need for a coordinated national response.

Farmers should also keep detailed records of losses arising from movement restrictions, market disruptions and other outbreak-related effects. Depending on the support measures introduced by the government, this documentation could help substantiate applications for assistance or compensation.

Lessons from Botswana

Namibia could draw lessons from Botswana’s approach to managing recurring FMD outbreaks, particularly its use of surveillance and animal traceability to inform disease-control measures.

Traceability systems can help authorities identify potentially affected animals, support surveillance and give trading partners greater confidence that outbreaks can be mapped and contained.

The outbreak also highlights the importance of regional cooperation. Botswana and South Africa have strengthened cross-border efforts in areas such as surveillance, traceability and disease management. With FMD affecting several countries in Southern Africa, effective containment will depend not only on national measures but also on closer cooperation and information-sharing between neighbouring states.

Shared responsibility, shared recovery

Authorities have begun easing some restrictions following surveillance and tracing efforts indicating that the outbreak remains localised in the //Kharas Region. However, containing the disease and restoring market access will require more than veterinary controls alone.

The government has estimated that about N$190.2 million will be needed for the containment response, including approximately N$47 million for the construction of 290km of disease-control fencing between Ariamsvlei, Karasburg and Ai-Ais.

Industry support has also played a role. The FMD Support Fund has mobilised more than N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits and field equipment for veterinary teams working in affected areas.

These interventions illustrate the importance of a coordinated response involving government, farmers and the wider livestock industry.

For producers facing prolonged movement restrictions and significant commercial losses, meaningful support will be as important as compliance. Namibia’s recovery will depend on containing the outbreak, protecting livelihoods and rebuilding the confidence of international trading partners in its livestock sector.