Restrictions imposed following the detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Karasburg Veterinary District have been partially lifted, allowing certain livestock slaughter activities and the movement and trade of specified processed animal products across Namibia.

The development follows Veterinary Public Notification , issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, after intensified surveillance, livestock inspections and traceability efforts.

Preliminary findings indicate that the FMD outbreak remains localised in the ||Kharas Region. 

Livestock that had moved from the infected farm to the Otjozondjupa Region were traced and tested negative for FMD, resulting in the herd being cleared of infection.

The revised measures provide for the partial lifting of restrictions north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and in areas south of the fence, excluding the ||Kharas Region.

They also allow for the slaughter of livestock under prescribed veterinary and biosecurity conditions and permit the movement and trade of specified processed animal products countrywide.

Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has welcomed the developments, saying they demonstrate Namibia's ability to respond to animal-health threats while progressively restoring parts of the livestock value chain to normal operations.

The latest measures are particularly significant for Namibia's export-orientated beef industry, which relies on effective animal-health, surveillance and traceability systems to maintain access to domestic and international markets.

These systems also play an important role in protecting livestock producers, safeguarding the national herd and maintaining confidence in Namibian beef.

Meatco said it would continue working with the Directorate of Veterinary Services and other stakeholders and align its procurement, slaughter and market activities with the applicable veterinary requirements.

Despite the easing of some restrictions, the FMD situation remains subject to continued monitoring. 

Producers and stakeholders across the livestock value chain have therefore been urged to comply fully with veterinary measures and guidance to prevent further spread of the disease.