Karasburg:Windhoek All confirmed cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) remain confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region, as stated by Acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Mubita announced during a press briefing at State House that 17 samples tested positive for FMD during routine surveillance conducted between 22 and 25 September. All positive cases were traced back to the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

Traceability investigations revealed that four cattle had moved from the infected farm in the Karasburg District to the Otjozondjupa Region. A total of 30 samples were collected, including those from the four cattle. Furthermore, 199 additional samples were collected from various regions, including //Kharas, Khomas, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, and Oshana. However, all positive results were confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

Mubita emphasized that Veterinary Officials from both private and public sectors have been mobilized nationwide to intensify the traceability, clinical examination, and blood sample collection to assess the infection's extent swiftly. This effort will help determine how and when the restrictions imposed on 23 September 2026 can be eased.

The 65 cattle on the infected farm, along with animals on surrounding farms, are under strict monitoring. The Ministry had already issued a notification on 23 September under the Animal Health Act of 2011, which activated the FMD Contingency Plan and imposed movement restrictions on all cloven-hooved animals and their raw products across the country.

These restrictions have led to uncertainty and panic buying of meat products, particularly in Windhoek. Mubita explained that the restrictions are vital to allow authorities to evaluate the disease's spread and implement containment measures effectively. The investigation outcomes will guide the Ministry on when and where the current restrictions can be gradually lifted.