The recently detected outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa (SA) has prompted a further complete ban of livestock and their products from that country into Namibia.

The Namibian Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform on Wednesday issued a media statement informing importers of the ban and also on the cancellation of permits of livestock imports, which were issued before and after 05 August 2022.

The statement indicates that about 73 cases have been detected in Kwazulu Natal Province from 13 June 2022 to 05 August 2022.

“Limpopo has so far recorded seven cases, 14 in North West, Gauteng one case, Free State 14 and another one in Mpumalanga,” it stated.

The purpose of the ban is thus to prevent any further possible spread of the disease into Namibia, which shares several borders with SA.

Any raw meat, either frozen or uncooked, is not allowed, grass of any sort or any other FMD potentially infectious material is all prohibited in Namibia.

The statement further indicates that cooked, processed meat, milk and milk-based products, hides and any other fully processed trophies are all welcome to Namibia or to transit through to other countries.

The directorate, according to the statement, will deploy additional officials to several borders between Namibia and SA for reinforcement when disinfecting crossing vehicles.

The officials will also be expected to conduct searches and inspections of vehicles upon entry from SA to Namibia, it said.

The FMD virus is easily spread through contact with the infected livestock and products since the infected livestock breathe out large amounts of viruses, said the statement.

The FMD virus is also found in the excrement and secretion of these infected animals and is however not readily transmissible to human beings and as such not a possible health risk to people, the statement said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency