The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources and Land Reform reported that an oral cavity ulcer (FMD) has been discovered in the second region of Namibia, continuing the outbreak previously registered in the southern region of Karas.
The disease was identified on Calala Island in the Cape constituency. Veterinary specialists recorded clinical signs in 20 head of cattle on October 5. According to the ministry's public notice, all 12 collected animal samples tested positive for the FMD virus on October 7.
The ministry announced the start of emergency vaccination in the affected area, as well as increased surveillance to determine the scale of the disease spread. Authorities have suspended the movement of hoofed animals and their products throughout the Zambezi region. Furthermore, cattle auctions, animal gatherings, and trade activities are prohibited.
Slaughtering at local abattoirs and informal markets has been suspended, but approved export facilities may continue operations provided strict adherence to quarantine measures and traceability requirements.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services has activated the national action plan for FMD and established checkpoints to ensure compliance with movement restrictions. Meanwhile, the government is intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak in the southern veterinary district of Karasburg, where Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani recently inspected control measures and met with affected farmers.
Construction of a veterinary fence along farms bordering the Orange River is currently underway and is expected to be completed within four months. The ministry also plans to begin work on an additional enclosure around the containment zone in the week starting October 12. Veterinary teams are preparing to launch a vaccination campaign in the epicenter of the outbreak in Karasburg after finalizing implementation schedules.
Authorities strongly urge farmers to monitor movement restrictions, cooperate with veterinary personnel, and immediately report suspicious cases to the nearest state veterinary authority. Oral cavity ulcer is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle and other hoofed animals, and its outbreaks can disrupt livestock production and trade, creating significant economic risks for farming communities.
