No culling for FMD cattle, only vaccinations - Zaamwani
The Namibian government has decided to use vaccinations instead of culling to contain a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in cattle. Officials stated that the window for effective culling had already passed, making vaccination the most viable strategy to protect the livestock industry.
Why it matters
This decision directly impacts the agricultural economy and food security in Namibia by attempting to prevent the spread of a highly contagious disease.
The government will not cull cattle affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani confirming that vaccination is now the only viable option after the window for culling expired.
Zaamwani told the National Assembly on Wednesday that Cabinet considered culling and vaccination after a meeting on Sunday to determine how to deal with cattle affected by the outbreak.
She said the chief veterinary officer advised Cabinet that culling is most effective when carried out within 24 to 48 hours after FMD is detected.
However, the government is now seven days beyond that period.
“While we were trying to engage and send out notices as per the law, the 48 hours had already passed,” Zaamwani said.
She said although culling can be effective when confined to a specific area, it is no longer considered the viable option in the current situation.
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