The Namibian agricultural sector has instructed a video to be made to explain why it is so important for the country to protect itself against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and why tourists must comply with strict measures implemented.
By Charl van Rooyen, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
ProStudio, an agency in Windhoek, produced the video on behalf of the Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU). It explains the enormous damage it would cause the country if FMD broke out there, including the immediate termination of the country’s privilege to export red meat. This would have enormous consequences for farmers and the country’s economy.
One of the biggest risks is people bringing the virus with them unknowingly, as it can stick to shoes, clothes, vehicle wheels and equipment. The virus can even survive in a person’s respiratory tract for days. Animal products pose an even greater risk. Raw, dried or processed meat, milk, cheese and other dairy products can be carriers of the virus. Cold does not destroy the virus; it survives in refrigerators and freezers. Only very high heat over a prolonged period can destroy the virus. Apart from dairy products, even pasteurised milk may still transmit it.
That is why Namibia’s Department of Veterinary Medicine applies very strict biosecurity measures at the country’s borders and other entry points. No one entering the country is allowed to import meat, dairy or any other products from animals with cloven hooves without an official permit stating that the product is safe. This even includes travellers’ food for the road.
At border posts and airports, officials can spray people’s shoes and vehicles. If prohibited products are found without a permit, they will be confiscated and destroyed. The country’s authorities therefore urgently urge tourists to cooperate with border control personnel and tolerate the disinfection measures.
Also read: FMD: Veterinarian urges farmers to work together
According to the Department of the Environment, Forestry and Tourism, 1 257 093 tourists visited the country during 2024, which was 45.5% more than in 2023. This is a recovery rate of almost 79% from before the Covid-19 outbreak.
South Africans remain the main source of tourism with 38.5%, followed by other neighbouring countries such as Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Germany is still the largest source of overseas tourists, while large numbers also come from the United States, Britain, France and the Netherlands. Holidaymakers accounted for 47.5% of visits, while 15.8% were business visits.
