Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), Inge Zaamwani, says despite Namibia's status as a Foot and Mouth Disease free (FMD) zone, developments in neighbouring countries necessitate heightened surveillance and vigilance.

Addressing Parliament, she said such outbreaks also need strengthened rapid response capacity and sustainable investment in preparedness measures.

The minister has confirmed that her ministry has already instituted a series of preventative and risk mitigation measures to safeguard the country against FMD.

"This includes, number one, the suspension and street control of imports of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from affected areas. Number two, the deployment of additional veterinary personnel has been significantly reinforced at all the main water posts. In addition to the 23 permanently deployed DVS officials stationed at various water posts, a further 29 have been mobilised to reinforce frontline operations."

The minister stated that efforts are underway to deploy an additional 28 officials in order to significantly enhance operational capacity and expedite preventative measures.

The ministry has also intensified inspection and patrol efforts.

"We will increase patrol in both frequency and scope to ensure more consistent monitoring of livestock movements and potential high-risk activity along our national boundaries. The ministry is reviewing our current schedule with the intention to move from quarterly patrols to more frequent and responsive patrols. In terms of surveillance at the border posts and farms, this will be substantially intensified from once a year to once a month."

The minister added that through vigilance, cooperation, and decisive action, the government will continue to protect the livestock sector and uphold recipients of the economy.

She called upon all stakeholders and the public at large to support and comply with the disease control measures that have been put in place.