FMD outbreak confirmed at Karasburg farm

Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the ǁKharas Region.Acting Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform Minister Charles Mubita said the disease was detected during routine surveillance by veterinary officials.Samples were collected from 11 cattle showing clinical signs consistent with FMD on 22 September.“Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek. Ten of the 11 samples tested positive today, 23 September 2026,” Mubita said.He said the results confirmed an active FMD outbreak within Namibia’s World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-recognised FMD-free zone.The ministry has ordered immediate control measures under the Animal Health Act No. 1 of 2011 to contain the outbreak.“These measures include the suspension of the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products nationwide, as well as the suspension of imports and exports of all cloven-hoofed animals until further notice,” Mubita said.He warned that the outbreak could have serious economic and livelihood implications due to the suspension of livestock and livestock-product marketing locally and internationally.“The ministry will work tirelessly to contain the disease within the shortest possible time,” he said.Mubita called for co-operation from government offices, livestock industry stakeholders, the public and other relevant institutions to help contain the outbreak.“It is a national responsibility for every Namibian citizen that the restoration and normalisation of livestock marketing remain our highest priority,” he said.

FMD outbreak confirmed at Karasburg farm

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-24

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FMD outbreak confirmed at Karasburg farm

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-24

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