Farmers and the public urged to help protect Namibia’s FMD-free status.

The LLPBN’s contribution to the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) includes the provision of personnel at all border posts between Namibia and South Africa for the disinfection of vehicles and the operation of footbaths. The LLPBN also supplies the necessary disinfection equipment and ensures that sufficient informational material is available.

Funds have also been made available for a mobile FMD emergency stock storage facility in Windhoek. The emergency store is housed in a container designed for rapid deployment and can be moved immediately to a suspected outbreak site upon request from the DVS.

This mobile unit allows veterinary officials to respond quickly and efficiently during a suspected FMD incident, reducing delays that could allow the disease to spread further. The initiative forms part of its proactive approach to safeguarding Namibia’s livestock industry against the potentially severe economic and trade impact of an FMD outbreak.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Although it does not affect humans, it can spread rapidly between animals and cause severe economic losses.

In the meantime, the LLPBN is facilitating discussions between the industry and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) on risk management and additional measures for trucks transporting livestock.