Buffalo in Omaheke shot

The buffalo that resulted in the closure of several farms in the Omaheke Region was shot last week. The deputy chief state veterinarian in the agriculture ministry, Dr John Shoopala, told Namibian Sun that the buffalo was shot on the same day that it was spotted. The Directorate of Veterinary Services received a report on the sighting of an African buffalo at Outje village in the Eiseb Block on 7 May. African buffalos are not allowed outside national parks because of the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spreading to livestock and therefore any buffalo that strays into farming areas is destroyed on sight.The agriculture ministry immediately banned livestock movements livestock in the Eiseb, Otjinene, Rietfontein and Epukiro areas after the buffalo sighting and put several other measures in place. Shoopala said the buffalo tested negative for FMD, but the restrictions would remain in place. He said buffaloes usually travel in packs and teams are still on the lookout for other buffalos in the area. He said it had not been established yet whether the buffalo was from the Waterberg area or not. All areas, farms and neighbouring farming units in Eiseb, Otjinene, Rietfontien and Epukiro have been declared as restricted areas. All farms in the Eiseb, Otjinene, Rietfontein and Epukiro have been declared as restricted areas. Therefore cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, cloven-hoofed game and their products may not be moved into and out of these areas, according to Masheke. All livestock auctions and transit of animal products in the restricted areas are also suspended until further notice. Processed and ready-to-eat products such as sour milk, dry biltong, cheese, butter and yoghurt are allowed into and out of the restricted areas. All veterinary movement permits for animals originating from Eiseb, Otjinene, Rietfontein and Epukiro were cancelled. Intensified disease surveillance activities in susceptible livestock populations by veterinary officials have commenced in accordance with existing protocols. Roadblocks will be set up at strategic points to ensure compliance with the above measures. ELLANIE SMIT

Buffalo in Omaheke shot

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

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Buffalo in Omaheke shot

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-03

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