NAU seeks controlled livestock trade

The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) is preparing a proposal for veterinary authorities to allow livestock to be moved to abattoirs under strict controls as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) restrictions leave farmers without income.

The proposal follows informal talks in Windhoek last week Friday with representatives of South Africa’s Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, AgriSA and Red Meat Industry Services. The discussions focused on permits, traceability and protocols for moving animals from restricted areas to slaughter.

NAU president Thinus Pretorius said producers had been unable to sell livestock since movement restrictions were imposed on 23 September.

“FMD seldom kills a cow, but it easily kills a farm,” Pretorius said.

The union warned that formal processes could take six to seven months and said it would ask authorities to consider interim arrangements to allow some trade to continue.

“Waiting is not a plan,” NAU chief executive Roelie Venter said.

No agreement was reached. Any future arrangement will require approval from the veterinary authorities of Namibia and South Africa.