Karasburg:President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has confirmed the presence of 127 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) cases across 15 farms in the Karasburg Veterinary District. Surveillance teams are actively inspecting 29,313 animals on 68 farms to contain the outbreak.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the outbreak was confirmed on September 23, 2026, through laboratory testing of samples collected during routine veterinary surveillance. In response, 20 surveillance teams have been deployed and 10 roadblocks established across the ||Kharas Region.

The President highlighted the serious impact of the outbreak on farmers, workers, and businesses, emphasizing the need for immediate containment measures to prevent further spread. On October 4, 2026, the Cabinet approved a Critical Containment Response Plan. This plan includes the creation of a buffer zone within the Karasburg Veterinary District and the enhancement of border fencing with Botswana and South Africa to control animal movement.

The government is implementing provisions of the Animal Health Act and is focused on strengthening disease control and biosecurity measures. Recognizing the economic strain caused by the outbreak, the government is also assessing its financial impacts and engaging with relevant stakeholders.

Discussions are ongoing with the European Union regarding Namibian meat products produced before the outbreak's confirmation. These consignments, certified by Namibia's Veterinary Competent Authority, are likely to be allowed entry under European Union regulations. Similar discussions are being held with other trading partners.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged compliance with movement controls and veterinary instructions by livestock owners, traders, transporters, and auctioneers. She called for cooperation with surveillance teams and the maintenance of accurate animal identification and movement records, emphasizing the government's commitment to leading the containment efforts and rallying support for affected communities.