Namibia needs N$190 million to contain FMD outbreak in //Kharas
The Namibian government is seeking N$190 million to contain a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas region. The response includes building a 290km fence and intensifying veterinary surveillance and livestock movement controls.
Why it matters
FMD outbreaks pose a significant threat to the agricultural economy and food security in Southern Africa, necessitating urgent containment to prevent regional trade disruptions.
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform needs about N$190.2 million to contain the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Karasburg area of the //Kharas Region, Minister Inge Zaamwani has said.
The response includes the construction of a 290km disease-control fence from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais to strengthen separation between the containment zone and surrounding areas.
In less than two weeks since FMD was detected on 22 September, 79 samples tested positive across 11 farms, while 450 tested negative, Zaamwani said in a statement on Saturday.
Laboratory investigations confirmed FMD serotype SAT 1 at a farm in the Graswater area, where the disease was first detected during routine clinical surveillance.
Zaamwani said the Ministry continues to intensify surveillance, livestock tracing, laboratory testing and movement-control measures to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread to other parts of the country.
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