The Namibian government has imposed an immediate ban on the entry of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Botswana, following confirmation of foot and mouth disease outbreaks across its neighbour’s territory.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services issued veterinary public notification 3 of 2026, citing the outbreak as reported through the World Animal Health Information System and a formal FMD update from Botswana’s veterinary authority on 4 March 2026. The restricted products include milk, cheese, meat and meat products.
The ban applies across a wide range of zones including 1, 1a, 2a through 2f, 3a, 3b, 3c, 6a, 6b, 7 and 16, covering southern border crossings such as Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer, as well as all other Botswana-facing crossings through south and central Namibia up to the veterinary cordon fence, commonly known as the Red Line. The measures reflect the high stakes attached to livestock trade in both countries and Namibia’s determination to protect its own disease-free status, which underpins its access to premium beef export markets.
