WITH holiday travel set to peak, Namibia’s livestock sector has renewed warnings over the heightened risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) entering the country, stressing that a single breach could halt meat exports, collapse rural economies and cost billions. The Department of Veterinary Services and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) are calling on all residents and visitors to strictly follow import and disinfection rules at borders to protect the country’s FMD-free status.
In an advisory, the NAU urged all visitors, including tourists, hunters, transport operators and returning residents, to co-operate fully with veterinary officers. “If FMD spreads into Namibia, exports stop immediately, rural economies collapse, jobs are lost and the financial impact reaches billions,” the union said.
FMD is one of the world’s most contagious animal diseases, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and some wildlife. It causes painful lesions that prevent animals from eating or moving, and young livestock often die from the infection. But the impact extends far beyond animal health: only a third of Namibia’s red meat is consumed locally, while the remainder depends on international markets. An outbreak would immediately freeze all exports and devastate farming communities.
Authorities warn that people are a major transmission risk. The virus can cling to shoes, clothing, vehicle wheels, hands, equipment and even survive for days in the human airway. Animal products pose an even greater threat, as raw, dried, processed or frozen meat, milk and dairy items can all carry the virus. Cold storage does not destroy FMD, and only extended high heat reliably kills it.
To prevent the introduction of the disease, Namibia enforces strict biosecurity measures at all entry points. Travellers may not bring in any meat, dairy or products from cloven-hoofed animals without a valid veterinary import permit. Border officials disinfect shoes and vehicles, conduct searches, and confiscate and destroy unpermitted items. These controls safeguard Namibia’s status as one of only four African countries recognised as free of FMD without vaccination — a premium market position that could take years to regain if lost.
Officials emphasise that protecting Namibia’s livestock sector is a shared responsibility. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed, respect border protocols and help maintain the country’s hard-earned animal health standards.
For more information, contact the nearest state veterinary office or the import and export control office in Windhoek at +264 61 208 7890/1/2.
Source: Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU)
Photo: West Coast Safety Initiative – Namibia
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