NAU urges heightened vigilance against FMD risk

The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) has issued an urgent alert to its members and the public to remain vigilant against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), warning that the risk of introduction, particularly through visitors and goods from South Africa, could have devastating consequences for the country’s livestock industry and rural economy.South Africa is currently experiencing multiple FMD outbreaks across several provinces, including recent confirmations in the Free State and ongoing cases in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.FMD is one of the most contagious animal diseases in the world, affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and certain wildlife species. It causes painful blisters that limit animals’ ability to eat and move, often resulting in high mortality among young animals. But beyond animal welfare concerns, the stakes for Namibia are exceptionally high.The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) said that for Namibia, this is more than an animal welfare problem. The livestock industry depends heavily on international markets, as only a third of the red meat produced locally is consumed domestically. The rest is exported to premium international markets - markets made possible by Namibia’s prized status as FMD-free without vaccination, a distinction held by very few countries in Africa.“If FMD enters Namibia, exports will stop instantly,” the NAU cautioned. “Rural economies would collapse, thousands of jobs would be lost and infected livestock would have to be culled. Financial losses would run into billions of Namibia dollars,” the union said.Unintentional transmissionOne of the biggest risks, it noted, is the unintentional transmission of the virus. FMD can cling to shoes, clothing, car tyres and equipment, and can even survive for days in a person’s airways. Animal products pose an even greater danger: raw, dried or processed meat, milk, cheese and other dairy products can all carry the virus. Cold does not destroy it: it can survive in fridges and freezers. Only very high heat over an extended period eliminates the virus, and even pasteurised dairy products may still transmit FMD.For this reason, Namibia’s Department of Veterinary Services maintains strict biosecurity controls at all borders. Travellers may not bring in meat, dairy or any products from cloven-hoofed animals without an official permit. This includes “padkos”. Shoes and vehicles may be disinfected, and any undeclared or prohibited products will be confiscated and destroyed.These measures, the NAU stressed, must be understood as essential national protection, not an inconvenience.The union appealed to all travellers, including hunters, tourists, transport operators and returning residents, to cooperate fully. “One careless moment can undo decades of work,” the NAU warned.Namibia offers world-class meat and well-stocked shops, ensuring that visitors can obtain everything they need locally. The NAU emphasised the importance of respecting veterinary officials who are safeguarding the country’s animals, farmers, economy and future. “We welcome all our guests to Namibia. Please help us protect what we have worked so hard to achieve,” it said.

NAU urges heightened vigilance against FMD risk

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Republikein 2025-11-25

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NAU urges heightened vigilance against FMD risk

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