Namibia has recorded its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in its primary commercial livestock production zone in 60 year.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Dr Charles Mubita, acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, confirmed the outbreak in the National Assembly after FMD was detected on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region. The outbreak was identified during routine disease surveillance by veterinary officials.
“Samples were collected from 11 cattle showing clinical signs consistent with foot-and-mouth disease on 22 September 2026,” Mubita said.
The samples were analysed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek the next day, and 10 of the 11 samples tested positive.
“This confirms an active FMD outbreak in Namibia’s WOAH-recognised FMD-free zone,” Mubita said.
In response, the government has suspended the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals and their products across Namibia, as well as the import and export of cloven-hoofed animals. As of 27–28 September 2026, the Directorate of Veterinary Services DVS partially lifted the nationwide restrictions. Movement north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence was restored, and limited movement south of the fence (outside //Kharas) was permitted under strict conditions.
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Major economic implications
Mubita warned the outbreak could have serious consequences for Namibia’s economy and the livelihoods of people dependent on the livestock sector.
The suspension of livestock marketing and movement, both domestically and internationally, is expected to affect producers, auctions, abattoirs and other businesses across the value chain.
“I call upon all OMAs, livestock industry stakeholders, the public and all relevant institutions to unite in the fight against this devastating, highly infectious disease,” Mubita said.
He added that restoring normal livestock marketing conditions must remain a national priority.
The outbreak comes as FMD remains active in several countries in the region, including South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
Thinus Pretorius, president of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), urged farmers to work with authorities and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak.
“Foot-and-mouth disease is on our borders,” Pretorius said, describing the situation as one of the most urgent challenges facing Namibia’s livestock sector in years. He urged farmers to respond with cooperation rather than panic, and emphasised the importance of protecting Namibia’s livestock health status.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has activated a national FMD task team, with the NAU represented on the team.
The union has also called on producers in buffer areas to remain particularly vigilant, describing them as the first line of defence against further spread of the disease.
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Agra Namibia backs disease-control measures
The outbreak is also expected to disrupt Namibia’s livestock auction industry. Arnold Klein, CEO of Agra Namibia, said the company recognised the seriousness of the situation and the likely impact of livestock movement restrictions on its auction activities.
“The extent of the impact on our operations will depend largely on the measures implemented by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the duration of any livestock movement restrictions,” Klein said.
Agra is monitoring developments and said it would keep producers, customers and other stakeholders informed as official guidance becomes available.
Klein said the company supports the measures required to protect Namibia’s livestock industry, even where these have short-term commercial consequences. “We believe the long-term sustainability and protection of the sector must take precedence over short-term commercial considerations.”
Agra has contributed N$1 million to the FMD Support Fund at its launch in February, together with a further N$500 000 towards its own biosecurity measures to support national and industry efforts to contain the disease.
Klein said biosecurity has long been a priority across Agra’s auction operations and that the company would continue to follow directives from the veterinary authorities on the resumption of auction activities.
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