FMD fence campaign to strengthen border defences

A new national campaign aimed at strengthening Namibia's first line of defence against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been launched, with businesses, organisations and individuals being called on to help fund repairs to critical sections of the Namibia-Botswana border fence.

The initiative, called 'Securing the Line', has been introduced by the FMD Support Fund and focuses on repairing high-risk sections of the veterinary fence identified by the directorate of veterinary services as priority areas requiring urgent attention.

Sponsors can contribute towards one kilometre of fencing or fund an entire section, with cost estimates prepared by the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU). All donations will be administered through the FMD Support Fund.

The union said the campaign comes at a critical time as Namibia works to safeguard its internationally recognised FMD-free status without vaccination, one of the country's greatest competitive advantages in the livestock sector.

The status allows Namibia to export beef and other livestock products to premium markets, including the European Union, and is considered vital to the industry's long-term sustainability.

Danger zone

Maintaining this status has become increasingly important amid ongoing outbreaks of FMD in neighbouring Botswana and South Africa, raising concerns over the risk of the disease crossing into Namibia.

The union explained that earlier this year, Namibia's four agricultural unions established the FMD Support Fund as a non-profit Section 21 company to strengthen the country's ability to prevent and prepare for outbreaks.

The fund was created to enable the private sector to finance strategic FMD-related projects that are not always covered through the national budget.

Since its establishment, more than N$12 million has already been pledged towards the initiative, with organisers aiming to raise N$50 million.

One of the fund's highest priorities is repairing and reinforcing strategic veterinary fences, regarded as one of Namibia's most effective barriers against the spread of FMD.

Organisers say restoring the identified border fence sections is a major undertaking that will require broad support from across the country.

Namibians are encouraged to leverage their personal and professional networks by introducing potential corporate sponsors, foundations, donors and international partners who may be willing to contribute to the campaign.

Those interested in supporting the campaign or introducing potential donors can contact Rina Hough at [email protected] or +264 82 409 9320 (ext. 14) or Dr Ingrid Henckert-Weissnar on +264 81 127 6161 or via [email protected].