Namibia: President Nandi-Ndaitwah Addresses Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak and Calls for National Cooperation

H.E. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered a high-level address regarding the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District of the //Kharas Region. This outbreak has caused uncertainty and distress within the country's livestock industry, threatening the livelihoods of numerous farmers, workers, and businesses.

The President emphasized the importance of national cooperation in containing and preventing the spread of the disease. Livestock and meat industry is a cornerstone of the Namibian economy, and protecting it is a national responsibility. The outbreak was confirmed on 23 September 2026, and immediate action was taken to limit its impact.

As of 5 October 2026, 127 confirmed positive cases were identified across 15 farms in the affected region. To address the situation, the Joint Cabinet Committee was convened, and Cabinet met the following day to determine necessary interventions under the Animal Health Act. The Critical Containment Response Plan, approved on 4 October 2026, includes establishing a containment buffer zone, repairing the Namibia-Botswana border fence, and erecting veterinary cordon fencing in high-risk areas along the border with South Africa.

The President acknowledged the strain on farmers, workers, and businesses due to movement restrictions and trade disruptions. However, she stressed that the measures taken are necessary to prevent wider losses and safeguard the industry's recovery. Government is actively conducting surveillance, testing, farm inspections, and livestock movement tracing to guide decisions and maintain veterinary requirements.

All stakeholders are urged to cooperate with the officials implementing these measures to protect the industry and Namibia's reputation as a reliable producer and exporter.