Government steps up FMD response as EU suspends Namibian meat imports

By: Anton Wokie Mbinge

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and land Reform has intensified efforts to contain the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District following the European Union’s decision to temporarily suspend the importation of certain Namibian meat products.

The EU restrictions follow confirmation of FMD on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region on 23 September 2026.

Responding to questions by Business Pulse 360°, the ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda acknowledged the seriousness of this development, particularly given the importance of the EU market to Namibia’s livestock and meat industry.

The EU has temporarily suspended the entry of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, certain farmed and wild ungulates, as well as some processed meat products such as biltong and jerky from Namibia’s previously FMD-free zone.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has also suspended Namibia’s FMD-free status with effect from 22 September 2026, following notification of the outbreak by Namibian authorities.

Muyunda said the directorate of veterinary services is implementing a comprehensive disease-control response, including intensified surveillance, tracing and testing, movement controls, veterinary roadblocks and biosecurity measures, among other interventions.

“These interventions are aimed at preventing further spread of the disease,” he said.

The measures are particularly important for farmers because FMD can spread rapidly among susceptible livestock, making the movement of animals a critical part of disease control.

Muyunda urged farmers, livestock owners, traders, transporters and other stakeholders to cooperate with veterinary officials and comply with the movement restrictions currently in place.