Windhoek:The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has initiated weekly press briefings to provide updates on two separate, unrelated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in the Zambezi and //Kharas regions. The briefings aim to keep the public informed with accurate and timely information on the evolving situation.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the outbreaks have led to 131 confirmed cases in the //Kharas Region after inspecting 63,011 animals. In the Zambezi Region, over 10,000 cattle have been vaccinated. The announcement was made by the ministry's spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, during the first weekly FMD update briefing at the Government Information Centre in Windhoek.
Muyunda stated that these briefings are essential for ensuring public awareness about the disease's developments, containment measures, and the roles of various stakeholders, including livestock owners and traders. He highlighted the intensified efforts by the Directorate of Veterinary Services in surveillance, livestock movement controls, and traceability investigations, with the outbreak currently confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region.
The first surveillance round covered 82 farms within 30 kilometers of the index farm. The second round has extended to 50 kilometers, inspecting 11 of the 65 targeted farms so far. Eighteen veterinary roadblocks are operational in the //Kharas, Khomas, and Otjozondjupa regions, and a Defence Force drone team is monitoring compliance. Plans are underway to construct a containment fence from Klein Manasse to Naute Dam and Fish River Canyon.
In the Zambezi Region, no new clinical cases were reported on Kalala Island as of 13 October. Surveillance teams inspected 6,226 cattle at 17 crush pens. Emergency vaccination covered 2,942 cattle from 7-9 October and an additional 7,922 cattle from 12-13 October. The strategic vaccination program will continue with seven teams until 21 October 2026. Five strategic roadblocks will be operational from 14 October 2026 in Kongola, Selela, Luhonono, Bukalo, and Nakabolelwa.
Muyunda also noted that current investigations show no direct link between the FMD outbreaks in the Zambezi and //Kharas Regions. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and movement restrictions for effective disease control.