The Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, has urged farmers, particularly those in the Kharas Region, to remain vigilant and alert against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
She noted that the disease is currently affecting South Africa, as well as parts of Botswana. The Minister called on farmers to be proactive by monitoring visitors to their farms, especially those who may have recently travelled from affected areas. She also emphasised the importance of ensuring that trucks used to transport animals are safe and properly disinfected.
“Whether you are a livestock farmer or a horticultural farmer, we must be highly alert. Protection also starts at the baseline. When people are coming to your farm and you know that those people were last week somewhere in the northern side of Botswana, make sure that you take precautions. When trucks are coming to the auctions and you are taking your livestock for auction, make sure to ask those who are responsible for organising those auctions that the trucks being used to transport animals are fully protected, sprayed, and have been nowhere near a zone that is affected by Foot-and-Mouth,” she said.
However, the Minister urged the public and farming communities not to panic. While vigilance remains essential, she reassured farmers that Namibia’s animal health systems are prepared and capable of responding effectively to any potential risks.
Zaamwani is expected to issue a statement soon outlining the measures the Government has put in place to prevent the possible entry of Foot-and-Mouth Disease from neighbouring countries currently experiencing outbreaks.
“Namibia stands ready to support neighbouring countries with the necessary cooperation and assistance to help them contain and recover from the outbreak, as a collective regional response ultimately protects us all,” added Simon Nghipandulwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture.
