FMD outbreak: 17 farms confirmed infected in //Kharas

A total of 129 animal samples have tested positive for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with 17 farms confirmed to be infected in the //Kharas Region as of 6 October 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said it has intensified surveillance, movement controls and trace-back and trace-forward investigations following confirmation of the outbreak on 23 September.

The investigations are being conducted using the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS), with measures focused on containing the outbreak and preventing the spread of the virus beyond the affected areas of the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has deployed 20 teams to conduct surveillance and inspections at farms within a 50-kilometre radius of the index farm.

By 6 October, veterinary teams had visited 72 of the 81 targeted farms, representing approximately 88.9% coverage.

As part of the response, veterinary officials are also engaging farmers and other stakeholders on FMD symptoms, transmission risks, biosecurity measures and the importance of complying with animal movement restrictions.

Sixteen veterinary checkpoints have been operational since 25 September to restrict the unauthorised movement of susceptible animals and animal products.

At seven of the checkpoints, officials had searched 2,292 vehicles. Meat and meat products found during the searches were confiscated and destroyed in line with the applicable FMD control measures.

The ministry said it continues to monitor the outbreak and implement measures aimed at containing the disease and preventing its spread beyond the //Kharas Region.

Farmers, livestock industry stakeholders, the media and members of the public have been urged to report any suspicious movement of meat or meat products outside the prescribed areas and restrictions imposed during the outbreak.