Meatco has highlighted that clarification by the European Union on temporary animal-health measures following Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak will allow eligible consignments to reach their intended markets and help reduce the immediate commercial impact on the livestock value chain.

Four farmers' unions have joined forces to strengthen the country's fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), launching a collaborative leadership campaign and support fund aimed at safeguarding the livestock industry and protecting Namibia's export markets.

SADC countries are showing political will aimed at driving towards a unified cross-border strategy to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease.    

Giving an update on the regional efforts in Gaborone recently, Lands and Agriculture Minister Edwin Dikoloti said SADC countries are advancing a collective approach.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach to protect the country's foot-and-mouth disease-free status.  

Botswana's livestock industry has received a significant boost, and its Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has relaxed the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls. 

In Botswana, the beef industry is a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source for foreign currency.

Botswana's Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, has called for integrated land use as the region embarks on promoting ecological conservation.

This call comes at a time when most of the countries in the SADC region continue to grapple with the deadly foot-and-mouth disease.

Southern Zambia is grappling with a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak linked to illegal cattle movements from a neighbouring country. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s Principal Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Charles Maseka, confirmed cases in seven districts.

In a demonstration of solidarity during a time when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is grappling with outbreaks of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Botswana has donated doses of vaccines to Zimbabwe.

The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has urged regional vigilance and complete cooperation in response to the ongoing devastation caused by the highly virulent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the SADC region.

The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) has urged game farmers to be vigilant about foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among wildlife.

The association warned that they, too, are at risk of contracting the disease.