The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR), through its Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), is conducting a regional Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) awareness campaign across the southern border regions of Namibia. The campaign covers the !Kharas, Omaheke, and Hardap regions and involves farmer engagements and inspections at key border posts.
Recent activities have included farmer meetings in Karasburg and stakeholder consultations at the Noordoewer Border Post with agencies such as NAMRA, NAMPOL, and the Roads Fund Administration (RFA). These sessions focused on: Educating farmers and communities about FMD risk factors;
Reinforcing strict import and export control measures; and Clarifying the role of each stakeholder in protecting Namibia’s FMD-free status.
The Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Shoombe, stressed the importance of the recent veterinary public notification, which clearly states that no meat or meat products imported from South Africa will be permitted into Namibia without a valid veterinary import certificate issued, verified, and endorsed by the competent veterinary authorities in South Africa.
He explained that this measure is necessary because uncertified meat poses a serious risk: the authorities cannot confirm its origin, production practices, or handling environment—factors that may contribute to the spread of FMD. Importation of uncertified products will remain prohibited until the outbreak situation in South Africa is brought under control.
These precautions are vital to protect Namibia’s livestock industry, which serves as a cornerstone of national food security, rural livelihoods, trade, and the economy at large.
By working together—farmers, traders, veterinary officials, and border agencies—Namibia will continue to safeguard its FMD-free zone and maintain access to valuable export markets.
