The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has called on all livestock sector parties and stakeholders to treat the recovery of Namibia’s export markets with the same determination as the control of the Foot-and­Mouth Disease (FMD), following the European Union’s temporary suspension of certain meat imports from Namibia.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NAU said it has taken note of the EU’s decision and admitted that it is a standard measure after an FMD outbreak in a recognised free zone.

“The NAU respects the right of Namibia’s trading partners to protect their own animal health. However, the union stresses that the suspension must remain temporary, and that the work to restore market access must start now,” reads the statement.

“Namibia has earned its place in the European market over decades. Our country maintained its FMD-free zone for more than 60 years, built on world-class traceability, strict veterinary controls and producers who meet some of the highest standards in the world.”

The union underscored that one outbreak, confined to one district, does not erase that record, emphasising that it is important that the country works ten times harder to get its meat and related products back on European shelves as soon as possible.

“The NAU welcomes the EU’s recognition of the swift, transparent and professional response by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). The union believes this transparency should give Namibia’s trading partners the confidence to work with Namibian authorities on a fast, science­based pathway back to market. Every week that our markets remain closed costs producers, farmworkers and rural communities dearly.”

“We fully support DVS in containing the outbreak, and we stand ready to support every effort by government and our trading partners to restore our status and our market access at the earliest possible opportunity. The NAU recognises that the suspension will place significant financial pressure on producers. The union is encouraging its members to plan conservatively, to engage their financial institutions early, and to continue following the guidance of DVS. Namibian farmers have gone through difficult times before. Together, we will get through this one too.”

Biosecurity

Following the confirmation of an active FMD serotype SAT 1 outbreak on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District, //Kharas Region, on 23 September, the government has enforced aggressive emergency response measures.

This outbreak has compromised Namibia’s historical and highly valuable status as an FMD-free zone without vaccination. The ministry of agriculture, operating through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), has initiated a major containing operation requiring almost N$200 million to implement primary emergency measures.

The measures include the immediate nationwide suspension on the movement, marketing, import, export, and in-transit trade of all cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products, as well as the suspension of livestock slaughtering at all export and local abattoirs, informal markets, and social events (such as weddings or funerals).

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has deployed 13 intensive surveillance teams. Roadblocks are active, notably at the Karasburg-Warmbad four-way, to inspect, search, and chemically disinfect all incoming and outgoing vehicles.

The government plans to spend N$47 million to construct a 290km disease-control fence stretching from Ariamsvlei through Karasburg to Ai-Ais to separate the containment zone, and farmers have been strictly warned against conducting independent vaccinations, as illegal FMD vaccine usage within the FMD-free zone violates local biosecurity laws.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na