ǁKharas FMD talks get underway

Starting today, the directorate of veterinary services (DVS) in the agriculture ministry will host foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) information sessions in the ǁKharas Region until Saturday, 24 October.The first session, a regional stakeholder engagement on proposed animal disease control measures, will take place at the ǁKharas Regional Council Hall in Keetmanshoop today from 09:00 to 13:00.A farmers’ information session will follow at the Schuetzenhaus in Keetmanshoop from 14:00 to 18:00.Further sessions are scheduled for the Aroab Farmers Association Hall on 23 October from 09:00 to 13:00 and the Verre Suide Farmers Association Hall on 24 October, also from 09:00 to 13:00.Chief veterinary officer Dr Kennedy Kenneth Shoombe said the primary purpose of the sessions is to provide updates on the current FMD outbreak, explain the disease control measures being implemented and engage stakeholders on interventions aimed at facilitating the recovery of livestock marketing and market access.He has urged livestock farmers, farmers’ unions and associations, traditional authorities, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, food business operators, retailers, abattoir operators and other stakeholders in the livestock and agricultural sectors to attend.Discussions will cover measures outlined in veterinary public notifications 18 and 19 of 2026, the proposed FMD containment zone, mandatory vaccination, livestock movement restrictions, biosecurity requirements and the strategy for restoring market access.Shoombe stressed that effective FMD control requires the co-operation of all stakeholders and strict adherence to veterinary directives.“Collective action is essential to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission, safeguard animal health and support the recovery of the livestock sector,” he said.“All stakeholders are therefore urged to mobilise their members and farmers in their respective areas to attend these important information sessions,” he said.To minimise the risk of spreading FMD, all attendees must observe strict biosecurity measures when travelling to and attending the sessions. All attendees are required to follow the biosecurity instructions and disinfection procedures in place at each venue.

ǁKharas FMD talks get underway

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-22

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ǁKharas FMD talks get underway

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-22

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