Namibia confirms foot-and-mouth outbreak
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Namibian
Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in an area previously recognised as free of the animal disease. The announcement, made by acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita after routine veterinary surveillance, comes in an agricultural sector valued at several billion dollars, according to Namibian.
Namibia has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on a commercial farm in the Karasburg district, in the ||Kharas region, within an area recognised as free of the disease. Of 11 cattle showing symptoms, 10 tested positive at the Central Veterinary Laboratory, said Charles Mubita, Namibia’s acting Minister of Agriculture. The outbreak was detected during routine veterinary surveillance, according to the Namibian authorities.
The government immediately suspended livestock movements nationwide, as well as imports and exports of affected animals and their products, under the Animal Health Act. The suspension of trade and movement is to remain in force until further notice, while veterinary services step up surveillance to determine the extent of the outbreak. The first positive tests were confirmed on 23 September 2026.
