Full Breakdown
Namibia’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Threatens Livestock Trade and Local Livelihoods
By Drooid · · How we work
Outbreak Overview
Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District of the southern //Kharas Region on September 23, 2026. By October 5, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reported 127 positive cases across 15 farms; the Ministry later noted 129 positive samples and 17 infected farms.
Laboratory tests on October 7 confirmed FMD in cattle at Kalala Island, Kabbe constituency, Zambezi Region. A public notification on October 10 imposed movement bans on all cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products throughout the Zambezi Region, cancelled livestock auctions, and suspended slaughter at local abattoirs and informal markets.
Government and International Response
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s October 5 address framed the outbreak as a national emergency, prompting 20 surveillance teams, 10 roadblocks, and inspection of 29,313 animals on 68 farms. The Ministry announced emergency vaccination in the affected zones and began constructing a veterinary cordon fence along the Orange River in //Kharas.
Namibia notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), leading to suspension of the country’s FMD-free status for the affected zone. The European Union responded on October 5 with a temporary suspension of fresh meat imports—beef, sheep, goat, and certain processed products—from Namibia’s previously authorised export zone (NA-1). Consignments certified before September 23 may still enter the EU during a 90-day transitional period, subject to risk-mitigating treatments.
Economic Impact on Market Actors
Street-food vendors in Windhoek’s Single Quarter market have felt the immediate fallout. “We had to close the market for several days. It was just before the weekend and month’s end. That’s when we need the money the most,” said Francisco, a vendor.
“The outbreak has been a heavy blow to our country,” said Marianne Pretorius, noting the impact is “immediate and severe” for //Kharas farmers.
Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) placed about 400 production workers on three weeks of special leave on October 12, pending a review on October 23. Earlier, Meatco paid farmers N$31 million (?US$1.8 million) for cattle delivered between August 29 and September 11, covering animals already slaughtered while future sales remain uncertain.
Containment Measures
- Surveillance: 20 teams, 10 roadblocks; 29,313 animals inspected.
- Vaccination: Emergency campaigns in //Kharas and Zambezi.
- Fencing: Cordon fence construction along the Orange River began in October.
- Movement Controls: Suspension of animal transport, livestock auctions, and slaughter at local facilities; export abattoirs may continue for eligible cattle meeting quarantine and traceability checks.
Data & Statistics
- 127 positive cases reported on October 5.
- 129 positive samples and 17 infected farms reported on October 6.
- 12 samples from Kalala Island tested positive on October 7.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources confirm outbreaks in both //Kharas and Zambezi regions but do not establish whether the virus spread directly from the southern to the northern zone. The extent of potential impact on other export markets beyond the EU remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had to close the market for several days. It was just before the weekend and month’s end. That’s when we need the money the most,” — Francisco, vendor, Single Quarter
- “The outbreak has been a heavy blow to our country,” — Marianne Pretorius
- “For farmers in the //Kharas region, the impact is immediate and severe, but this is not only a //Kharas problem,” — Marianne Pretorius
- “Veterinary officials detected the disease at Kalala Island in Kabe Constituency, where 20 cattle showed clinical signs on October 5.” — the ministry