The outbreak has spread to a second region, disrupting livestock markets and threatening Namibia’s access to a major export destination.

Windhoek, Namibia — Namibia is battling a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has spread to several livestock farms, prompting the European Union to temporarily suspend imports of fresh meat and other animal products from the country.

The outbreak was first confirmed on September 23 at a commercial farm in the Karasburg veterinary district of the southern Kharas Region.

By October 6, veterinary authorities had confirmed infections on 17 farms, with 129 animal samples testing positive for the disease. A separate outbreak involving cattle was reported in the northern Zambezi Region on October 7.

The developments have raised concerns across Namibia’s livestock industry, which depends heavily on access to international meat markets.

Namibia imposes livestock movement restrictions to contain FMD

Namibian authorities have introduced emergency measures to prevent the disease from spreading to additional farms.

The restrictions include controls on the movement of cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, the suspension of livestock auctions and certain slaughter activities, and the establishment of roadblocks in affected areas.

Veterinary officials have also intensified disease surveillance and begun emergency vaccination campaigns to contain the outbreaks.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep and goats.

Although the disease does not generally pose a food safety risk to humans, outbreaks can cause serious economic losses through livestock movement restrictions and disruptions to meat exports.

EU suspends Namibian beef and other meat imports

The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat from Namibia’s previously foot-and-mouth disease-free export zone.

The restrictions also cover certain products from other hoofed animals, along with processed meat products such as biltong and jerky.

However, meat products that undergo prescribed high-level treatment remain eligible for entry into the European market.

Qualifying consignments certified before September 23 may also enter the EU under a 90-day transitional arrangement.

The measures are intended to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease into European livestock populations.

Namibia’s livestock industry faces export pressure

The EU is a major market for Namibian beef, accounting for more than 80% of the country’s beef exports, according to the figures cited in the report.

The temporary suspension threatens export earnings and adds pressure on cattle farmers, meat processors and businesses involved in the livestock supply chain.

Restrictions on animal movements and slaughter activities are also disrupting domestic livestock trading.

Authorities are working to contain the outbreaks and meet the veterinary requirements necessary to restore disease-free status in affected export areas.

The duration of the EU restrictions will depend on Namibia’s progress in controlling the disease and satisfying the conditions for resuming trade.