Windhoek: Retired agriculture ministry executive director Percy Misika has called for a uniform national strategy to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), advocating for bolstered efforts across all regions. 'Focusing solely on the southern area of the country may lead to us overlooking that individuals from Cape Town, as well as those from the northern provinces of South Africa, traverse through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Katima Mulilo, and the Ngona border post. This is particularly concerning as we are actively working to prevent an outbreak of this infection,' he said.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Misika made these remarks while providing his insights during a high-level multi-sectoral meeting with key stakeholders responsible for safeguarding the agricultural sector. The meeting took place at the Namibian Institute of Public Administration and Management Centre in Windhoek on Friday. It focused on FMD preparedness and was led by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). The stakeholders assessed the regional FMD risk, evaluated existing measures, and identified opportunities for collaboration to protect Namibia's livestock industry.

Misika noted that while much of the focus is directed to the ||Kharas and Hardap regions, tourists from South Africa or Botswana can also enter Namibia through less guarded border points. He further emphasised the need to elevate discussions about zoning Namibia regions and areas to the highest legislative authorities amid ongoing debates on veterinary cordon fences.

'Parliamentarians and the ministry of agriculture, through DVS, should engage with parliamentary standing committees responsible for economic affairs, environment, natural resources, and food security. This is crucial to ensure parliamentarians understand the necessity of these measures, particularly regarding the creation of additional internal zones and fences,' he remarked.

However, Goliath Kambaurona Tujendapi, the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), gave his assurance that Namibia is prepared with strong government support to protect its borders. He expressed confidence in averting the spread of disease, emphasising the readiness of DVS and trust in citizen compliance with necessary protocols.

'Namibians are law-abiding citizens; the events that occurred in South Africa will not take place here. We are committed to preventing this issue. The DVS is prepared to address this concern, and we should have confidence in our country while adhering to the necessary guidelines,' he stated.