Karasburg:Windhoek Namibia is facing potential losses of N$2.4 billion in its agricultural value chain over the next six months due to a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has estimated daily losses at approximately N$13 million.

According to NAMPA, NAU President Thinus Pretorius highlighted these concerns during the 2026 Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series in Windhoek. He emphasized the significant impact on the livestock sector and the potential threat to approximately 52,000 agricultural jobs south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, which support about 200,000 dependents.

The outbreak, confirmed in the Karasburg district on 23 September 2026, is the first in Namibia's export zone in over 60 years. As a result, access to the European Union and Norwegian markets has been suspended. Pretorius noted that 94% of Namibia's beef exports in 2025 were destined for European markets, which require an FMD-free status. He advocated for maintaining domestic trade under strict veterinary supervision, securing alternative export markets, and restoring Namibia's FMD-free status without vaccination.

Chief Veterinary Officer Kenneth Shoombe reported that as of 27 October, 131 positive samples had been recorded on 18 infected farms in the //Kharas Region. Vaccination efforts have been underway, with 8,102 of the targeted 13,000 cattle vaccinated in //Kharas and 53,913 of 56,360 cattle vaccinated in the Zambezi Region, where a separate outbreak was confirmed on 6 October.

Shoombe also mentioned the resumption of controlled direct slaughter, with 1,344 cattle processed at registered abattoirs. The ministry is exploring alternative markets, including Tunisia, Morocco, and Nigeria. Vice-Chairperson of the Ministerial FMD Task Force, Jako van Wyk, assured farmers that efforts are ongoing to restore the country's FMD-free status, including the construction of a new disease control fence.

James Chapman, Managing Director of Bank Windhoek, stressed the need for a united national response to the outbreak, emphasizing agriculture's vital role in rural Namibia. He encouraged affected clients to seek early discussions with the bank for solutions and welcomed the Bank of Namibia's BID-42 intervention. Bank Windhoek has also pledged N$2 million to the FMD Support Fund.

The 2026 Agricultural Series focused on the theme 'Protecting Livestock, Preserving Livelihoods A United Response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease.'