Buffalo sighting creates concern

Small-scale farmers say there is growing concern among livestock owners and rural communities following Veterinary Public Notification No. 9 of 2026 issued under the Animal Health Act, 2011, after reports of an African buffalo sighting in northern Namibia.

The buffalo is reported to have been seen in Oshikunde and Okongo constituencies in the Ohangwena Region, as well as Mpungu Constituency in Kavango West.

While the importance of protecting Namibia’s animal health status and preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), is acknowledged, there are concerns about the response by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).

The ministry has imposed livestock movement restrictions and other precautionary measures affecting farmers’ livelihoods. However, there are concerns that there is limited visible progress in locating, capturing, or monitoring the buffalo.

Multiple sightings

Reports suggest the animal has been sighted in multiple locations over an extended period, however, there has been no public update on any coordinated intervention by veterinary authorities.

Communities have raised questions about whether the buffalo is still roaming freely across constituencies, and whether the current restrictions are achieving their intended purpose.

One farmer argues that the Animal Health Act provides for prevention, control, containment and protection measures, saying enforcement should not focus solely on restricting livestock movement while the source of risk remains unaddressed.

“Farmers are bearing the impact of movement bans and permit limitations, while concerns remain over the lack of visible action to track and contain the animal. This creates the impression that the measures are effective in principle but limited in practice,” he said.

He adds that if the buffalo continues to move between villages and farms, the risk of disease exposure remains, adding that restrictions alone may be insufficient if not accompanied by operational action.

There are also concerns about the lack of public information on the response, including whether veterinary teams have been deployed, what tracking methods are being used, and what progress has been made since the initial sightings.

In light of this, concerned farmers call for greater transparency and regular public updates, as well as a review of whether current restrictions are proportionate and effective. They further urge authorities to ensure that implementation of the Animal Health Act reflects both enforcement and practical containment measures.

“Namibian farmers deserve clear communication and visible action alongside precautionary measures, warning that restrictions without effective control of the source risk undermining confidence,” they say.