The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has denied media reports suggesting it declared the removal of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (Red Line) impossible.

In a statement, the ministry affirmed that its position aligns with the resolution of the Second National Land Conference, which advocates for the gradual removal of the Red Line while taking into account factors such as animal health, trade, and socio-economic considerations.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, said the process will be carried out carefully, adding that before the fence can be removed, disease-control systems need to be strengthened, veterinary services improved, and better livestock markets created.

“The presentation further explained that removing the Veterinary Cordon Fence abruptly could expose the whole country to serious animal disease risks, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), and jeopardise Namibia’s internationally recognised animal health status to the detriment of the entire livestock sector value chain,” Muyunda said.

The country also needs international recognition of a foot-and-mouth disease–free zone in the Northern Communal Areas. This process includes establishing an effective animal-movement barrier along the Namibia–Angola border, improving veterinary infrastructure and livestock-marketing systems, and securing international recognition of a new FMD-free zone for the NCA.

The ministry, therefore, assured the public that the process will be carried out scientifically to protect animal health, support farmers, and safeguard Namibia’s livestock export markets.