Strict measures needed to protect Namibia from Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The continued occurrence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Southern Africa is a cause for major concern.  It is important to recognize the significant risk that it poses to the livestock, livelihoods and the broader economy of Namibia.

While vigilant and proactive measures are crucial to maintain Namibia’s FMD-free status, the situation should be handled calmly and responsibly. All stakeholders are encouraged to remain clear-headed, avoid panic, rumours, or misinformation and view developments within their respective context.

Although FMD continues to occur in parts of Southern Africa, it is important to note that Namibia, including both the protected and infected zones, remains free of the disease. The FMD-free zone south of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF) is currently surrounded by areas that do not pose an immediate threat.

Botswana has reported a confirmed case along its eastern border with Zimbabwe, similar to an outbreak that occurred approximately two years ago. This area has been isolated and the remaining FMD-free zones remain unaffected. Similarly, no FMD has been reported in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, bordering Namibia. 

An extensive section of the Namibia-Botswana border has been electrified by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), with support from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPBN), to prevent animal movement and contact between the countries.

Dr Anja Boshoff-De Witt of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board emphasises that strict precautionary measures are already in place, protecting Namibia, and that every producer has an important role to play in safeguarding the country’s disease-free status.

When the first cases were identified in South Africa, Namibia took immediate action and implemented intensified border bio-security controls to prevent the virus from entering the country. Amongst other measures, no animal products may be brought into Namibia without a valid permit and all visitors must declare any such products, which may be confiscated and destroyed if necessary.

In addition, the soles of travelers shoes are disinfected at border posts and airports and undercarriages, mudguards and tyres of all vehicles are disinfected.  The FMD virus can survive for extended periods in organic material such as mud or manure, requiring these measures. At border posts such as Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei, authorities, with the support of the private sector, are working on more permanent multi-step disinfection processes.

Dr Boshoff-de Witt warns that the greatest risk often lies at farm level. Traveler’s who have visited high risk areas in South Africa, especially farms, auctions or feedlots, may unknowingly carry the virus on their shoes, clothes and even in their airways and spread the disease. Therefore, any traveler to Namibia or returning citizens that visited high-risk areas should be vigilant to disinfect and to avoid direct contact with livestock for at least five to seven days.

She advises farmers to use dedicated clothing and footwear when working with animals and to disinfect these regularly. Approved disinfectants such as washing soda solutions in correct dilution can be used for footbaths and vehicle sanitation. Trucks delivering livestock or feed should always present a valid washing and disinfection certificate and seals on feed trucks must only be broken by a Veterinary Official.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has a comprehensive contingency plan that will be activated immediately should an outbreak occur. An emergency store containing all necessary equipment has already been established and can be rapidly deployed anywhere in the country. Stakeholders such as the Namibian Defence Force, Namibian Police, producers and the private sector all form part of this coordinated response action team.

Dr Boshoff-de Witt urges the public to refrain from spreading false information on social media, which can result in unnecessary panic. Any suspected cases must be reported to the local state veterinarian immediately, whose instructions must be followed diligently.

Through strict biosecurity measures, responsible travel behaviour and adherence to official directives, producers can help ensure that Namibia’s livestock industry remains protected.