Namibia moves to strengthen FMD safeguards as South Africa secures more vaccines
Namibia's Livestock and Livestock Products Board is accrediting South African vehicle wash facilities to improve biosecurity against foot-and-mouth disease. This initiative aims to safely allow livestock trucks to carry backloads, potentially reducing costs for agricultural inputs.
Why it matters
Improving cross-border biosecurity protocols is essential for regional trade efficiency and preventing the spread of livestock diseases that threaten food security.
NAMIBIA is moving to strengthen safeguards against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by accrediting livestock truck wash and disinfection facilities in South Africa, as the neighbouring country takes further steps to expand access to FMD vaccines.
The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) has contracted South African compliance company AfriCompliance to evaluate 15 wash and disinfection facilities identified for possible accreditation.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of FMD being introduced into Namibia through livestock vehicles returning from South Africa.
AfriCompliance, which specialises in independent compliance assessments and certification, is currently evaluating the 15 facilities, with the process expected to be completed by the end of this week.
Facilities found to have shortcomings will be required to make the necessary adjustments to meet the required biosecurity standards before they can be considered for accreditation.
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