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Namibia Declares FMD Control Zone to Protect Vital Meat Export Markets

Namibia has immediately declared a foot-and-mouth disease control area in the southern Kharas Region. The move is a precaution to prevent the introduction of FMD and protect the country's valuable FMD-free status without vaccination. This status is crucial for maintaining access to premium international meat export markets. Farmers in the designated zone must comply with strict disease control measures to safeguard livestock health.

Key Points: Namibia Establishes FMD Control Area to Safeguard Exports

  • Precautionary control area declared
  • Maintains FMD-free status without vaccination
  • Protects premium international market access
  • Strict measures for farmers in zone
  • Follows World Organisation for Animal Health code
2 min read

Namibia declares FMD control area to protect meat export status

Namibia declares a foot-and-mouth disease control area in Kharas Region to maintain its FMD-free status and protect access to international meat markets.

"It is important to note that this declaration should not create an assumption that there is an outbreak - Romeo Muyunda"

Windhoek, March 21

Namibia has declared a foot-and-mouth disease control area in the southern Kharas Region to safeguard its FMD-free status and protect access to international export markets, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said on Saturday.

The declaration, which took effect immediately, followed a Government Gazette notice published on March 17 defining the control area in key border zones and communal lands in southern Namibia, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the ministry, the area includes a 10-km strip south of the Mata Mata border post to the Orange River, a 10-km strip north of the Orange River extending westward to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as communal settlements and adjacent farms within the designated zones.

"It is important to note that this declaration should not create an assumption that there is an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Namibia," ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said in a statement.

He said Namibia continues to maintain its FMD-free status without vaccination, which allows the country access to premium international markets.

The precautionary move is intended to prevent the introduction of FMD, particularly amid increased activity in neighbouring countries, Muyunda said.

Farmers and livestock owners within the declared control area are required to comply with strict disease control measures to safeguard livestock health, he added.

Namibia's FMD-free zone is maintained in line with the World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Code, which requires infrastructure such as veterinary fences, gates and designated entry and exit points to support access to regional and international markets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting read. It shows how interconnected global trade is. One outbreak can shut down a whole country's meat exports. Hope our authorities are also vigilant about such diseases, especially with our large livestock population. 🐄
A
Aman W
Good to see a country taking preventive steps. But I wonder, will the farmers in that control area be compensated for the extra burden? Strict measures are needed, but support for those affected is equally important. Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions this is a precaution, not an outbreak. That's responsible governance. Too often, actions are taken only after a crisis hits. Protecting the "FMD-free without vaccination" status is a huge economic advantage for them.
V
Vikram M
FMD is a serious concern. We have had our struggles with it in parts of India. Namibia's approach of defined control zones with veterinary fences seems very systematic. International standards like the OIE code are crucial for export credibility.
K
Kriti O
It's all about protecting their economy. Meat exports are probably a major revenue source. The mention of "increased activity in neighbouring countries" is a bit vague though. Wish there was more detail on what that activity is.

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