Farmers urged to claim 50% LSD vaccine subsidy

The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPB) has reminded farmers of a subsidy programme that was introduced to help cattle producers protect their herds against lumpy skin disease (LSD) and strengthen disease prevention across the country's livestock sector.

The LLPB is subsidising 50% of the cost of approved LSD vaccines from 1 January until 31 March 2027. The programme operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to the availability of funds.

The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) said under the initiative, registered producers can claim reimbursement for up to 500 vaccine doses per claim period, with each producer eligible for only one payout during the duration of the programme.

To qualify, producers must be registered with the LLPB, purchase approved LSD vaccines, vaccinate their cattle and retain the original purchase receipt or a certified copy. Claims must then be submitted together with all required supporting documentation.

 The required documents include a certified copy of the applicant's identity document, a certified stock brand card or certificate, proof of LLPB producer registration in the form of a registration certificate or FAN meat producer card, proof that the vaccines were purchased during the claim period, and a bank confirmation letter issued within the past six months. All certified copies submitted must also be less than six months old.

The LLPB cautioned that incomplete applications will not be processed.

Submitted claims will be verified against the purchase receipts and the national herd database before payment is approved.

Successful applicants can expect reimbursement within approximately one calendar month after submitting a complete application.

Application forms may be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] or delivered as hard copies to the LLPB head office in Windhoek or the FAN Meat NamLITS helpdesk.

The subsidy programme forms part of the board's efforts to improve livestock health, encourage preventative vaccination and reduce the economic impact of lumpy skin disease on Namibia's cattle industry.