Nkurenkuru:Kavango West has successfully vaccinated 55,356 cattle in its latest campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), achieving a 77 percent coverage rate. However, the efforts continue to face challenges due to operational constraints.

According to NAMPA, Sara Gottlieb, a veterinarian with the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Kavango West, shared these figures during a stakeholders' meeting with Governor Verna Sinimbo in Nkurenkuru. Gottlieb disclosed that the government allocated N$2.4 million for the first round of vaccinations, which took place from June 15 to October 2, 2026. Each vaccine dose cost N$43.45, with a second round required annually under the programme.

The campaign, targeting high-risk areas along a 30-kilometre radius near the Namibia-Angola border, also involved the purchase of ear tags for 36,777 cattle at the cost of N$1 million. However, this figure excludes expenses such as daily subsistence allowances, travel, and casual labour payments.

Gottlieb identified several logistical challenges, including the poor condition of crush pens, which pose safety risks and significantly delay operations. Moreover, late procurement of vaccines and delays in approvals for casual labour and allowances have further impeded the campaign. The region's limited resources, with only one state veterinarian and nine technicians covering a vast area, exacerbate these difficulties.

Additional logistical issues include the lack of a functional freezer room, requiring teams to travel 135 kilometres to the Rundu State Veterinary Office for ice to maintain the vaccine cold chain. The absence of camping facilities and poor infrastructure, such as roads and mobile coverage, further complicate the campaign.

Despite these obstacles, the region continues to enforce FMD control measures, including vaccination, surveillance, and livestock movement permits, underscoring the need for adequate resources and improved field facilities to sustain these efforts.