FMD outbreak in Zambezi

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKA new outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been reported in the Zambezi Region.This follows just more than a month after Namibia lifted all FMD movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and their products in the FMD Protection Zone in April.FMD outbreaks have affected nine constituencies since last September.According to the chief veterinary officer within the agriculture ministry, Dr Albertina Shilongo, the outbreak at Kasenu village in the Kasiku area was confirmed on 3 June.She said the area within a radius of 30km from Kasenu has been declared as a controlled area.Crushpens within the controlled area include Ivilivinzi, Kasika, Kabulabula, Nyange, Silubaba, Kazuka, Itomba, Ikota, Kalala, Natungu, Impalila, Limai, Muzii, Nankuntwe, Luhonono, Namiiyyundu, Nakabolelwa, Nsundwa, Nangwena, Musekezi, Mutwalwizi 1, Mutwalwizi 2 and Nkoza.“Active surveillance and vaccination of cattle in and out of the controlled area and the rest of the region has commenced,” Shilongo said.A ban has been placed on all cloven-hoofed animals out of and through the area.Permits cancelledShilongo said all previously issued permits into and out of the control area are cancelled and have been recalled.“A ban on potentially infectious commodities out of and through the controlled area such as hides, game trophies, grass and plant materials has also been imposed.”Furthermore, several roadblocks and patrol teams have been strategically placed around the controlled area and members of the public are urged to cooperate with veterinary officials.“Re-vaccination of all cattle in the controlled area with the FMD vaccine has commenced and all farmers are strongly urged to bring their cattle for vaccination to designated crushpens.”Shilogo added that the movement of cloven-hoofed animals in, within and through the rest of Zambezi is still allowed, with exception of the controlled area. The same goes for other commodities.The movement of raw meat and raw milk and livestock feed is allowed within the controlled area.

FMD outbreak in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

Please login to leave a comment

FMD outbreak in Zambezi

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content