17 FMD-positive samples confirmed in Karasburg

Seventeen of 199 animal samples collected during intensified foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) surveillance in Namibia have tested positive, with all the positive cases so far confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the ǁKharas Region.

Acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita said on Saturday at a media conference at State House, that traceability, clinical examinations, and further testing were underway to determine the outbreak's extent.

The latest results follow the confirmation of FMD on 23 September after 10 of 11 samples taken from a herd of 65 cattle at a commercial farm in the Karasburg district tested positive.

Mubita said officials collected a further 199 samples during routine surveillance between 22 and 25 September across several regions.

Of these, 117 samples were collected in Karasburg, 50 in Gobabis, 30 in Otjiwarongo, one in Windhoek and one in Ondangwa. All 17 positive results came from the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

The 65 cattle on the affected farm, as well as animals on surrounding farms, remain under strict monitoring.

Four cattle test negative

Traceability work carried out after the initial positive results identified four cattle that had moved from the affected farm in Karasburg to the Otjozondjupa Region.

The four animals were among 30 cattle tested on 24 September. The remaining 26 animals were sampled as a precaution and were not linked to the affected farm.

All 30 samples tested negative for FMD.

Mubita said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform had mobilised veterinary officials from across the country, including private and public-sector practitioners, to intensify surveillance, trace animal movements and collect samples.

The aim is to establish the extent of the infection as quickly as possible and determine when and where the current restrictions can gradually be eased.

The Minister said an announcement would be made once sufficient results were available.

Restrictions remain in place

The Government activated Namibia’s FMD Contingency Plan after the disease was confirmed and imposed nationwide restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products.

FMD is classified as a notifiable and state-controlled disease under the Animal Health Act of 2011.

Mubita said the restrictions were necessary to give authorities time to assess the spread of the disease and take measures to contain it.

The analysis of traceability data from the affected farm and surrounding areas is still incomplete, he said, as the 14-day incubation period has not yet elapsed.

While surveillance continues, the Government will consider lifting some restrictions in specific areas through a Veterinary Public Notice, in line with the Animal Health Act.

Economic impact

Mubita warned that FMD could have severe economic consequences by disrupting livestock marketing and the wider agricultural value chain.

The disease can affect household incomes, food security and rural livelihoods, while prolonged restrictions can also put pressure on employment and businesses that depend on livestock production and trade. “This disease sees no boundaries; it is not discriminating, and it can affect any livestock wherever it is found,” Mubita said.

The outbreak was detected inside Namibia’s internationally recognised FMD-free zone, increasing the potential impact on livestock trade and export markets.

Support Fund launched

The Ministry, with support from the livestock industry, has established an FMD Support Fund to help finance measures to contain and manage the outbreak.

Mubita appealed to members of the public, the private and public sectors and development partners to contribute to the fund.

Contributions can be directed through:

• FNB Namibia: Windhoek Corporate Centre; Branch code: 281872; Account: 64290199172

• Bank Windhoek: Kudu Branch; Branch code: 482172; Account: 8052561959

For information about contributions, the Ministry has provided contact details for Dr Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar on +264 81 127 6161.

Mubita urged Namibians to cooperate fully with veterinary authorities while surveillance and traceability work continues.

He said the Government would continue providing updates as new information becomes available.