Following an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in a number of State Veterinary Districts, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) would like to update farmers about the control measures to contain the outbreak of this disease in the country. The disease was first reported in Okakarara constituency of Otjozondjupa region in June 2024 and has since spread to some areas in Omaheke, Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto and Kunene regions. To date, a total of 1 564 clinical cases and 443 deaths have been reported.
LSD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and is transmitted through vectors (biting insects). DVS has successfully vaccinated 17 671 cattle in Otjombinde constituency under Epukiro State Veterinary District. An additional 11 066 cattle were vaccinated in Okakarara, Otjituuo, Okondjatu, and Okamatapati under Okakarara State Veterinary District.
In line with the provisions of the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011, to facilitate safe trade of cattle and to protect the market access of animals and animals` products to international markets, DVS has instituted the following control measures:
- Export Control
1. With immediate effect, all cattle destined for export must be vaccinated at least 21 days and not more than 12 months prior to export. - Movement Control
1. With effect from 13 March 2025, cattle movements from Okakarara, Grootfontein, Nkurenkuru, Ondangwa, Epukiro, otjinene, Rundu, Eenhana, Katima Mulilo and Omuthiya State Veterinary Districts are allowed provided they are vaccinated at least 21 days and not more than 12 months. This excludes cattle destined for direct slaughter for clinically healthy animals.
2. Cattle destined for any gathering must be presented for inspection a day before the gathering, latest by 17h00.
3. Any cattle found with clinical signs upon inspection at an animal gathering event will be isolated and the whole consignment will be sent back to the farm or area of origin. 4. Cattle movements to and from affected areas are allowed provided they are vaccinated at least 21 days and not more than 12 months.
5. Existing control measures remain in force in the affected areas.
Once more, DVS advise farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against LSD, control biting insects and report any suspected case to the nearest DVS Office as required by law. In the meantime, apart from the recently concluded vaccination campaigns and availing vaccines and supportive drugs to contain this outbreak, currently the Directorate is at an advanced stage in acquiring additional vaccines earmarked at launching additional vaccination campaigns in affected areas with the highest infection rate.
The Directorate further requests the full cooperation of farmers during this time and to comply with control measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has advised farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against LSD, control biting insects and report any suspected case to the nearest DVS Office as required by law.
