Namibia declared FMD-free

This was announced on Friday by the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa, who said there are no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) after battling for months to contain outbreaks, in the northern communal areas (NCA) of the country. The country’s first case in 26 years was reported on May 11 last year in the Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, while the last one was recorded at Etayi village on July 22. The government acted swiftly by imposing animal movement restrictions and allocating N$180 million for which the largest portion was spent on procuring 3.7 million doses of FMD vaccine. The vaccine was used for three rounds of vaccination and covered an estimated 1.1 million cattle, including those moving from Angola into Namibia. Approximately 826 casual workers were also recruited to strengthen veterinary staff for the various outbreak control activities. Meanwhile, the roadblocks that were set up at various strategic points to enforce the movement restrictions of animals, animal products and other potentially infectious materials in the NCA, will now no longer be in operation. The decontamination of vehicle tyres and searching of vehicles for prohibited potentially infectious materials at the veterinary check points will, however, remain in force. “Given the magnitude of this outbreak, both in terms of financial and human resources, the number of animals involved, uncontrolled cross-border movement of animals and the vast geographical size of the area involved, one would appreciate and understand that the focus should henceforth be on preventative measures to ensure that such an outbreak does not repeat itself,” said Mutorwa. He said that farmers in the NCA are requested to present all the animals for FMD and lung sickness vaccinations, and ear-tagging when so announced. They should also only utilise border posts to move animals across particularly at the Namibian/Angolan border where the legal requirements so demand. Mutorwa said that these farmers must report the presence of cattle not bearing the official ear-tags to the State veterinary offices and identify by means of official ear-tags, animals to be moved only with authorised veterinary movement permits. Furthermore, all sick animals, as well as all cases of illegal animal movement, must be reported to nearest veterinary office immediately and at all times. Mutorwa added that as per the directives of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, vaccination against FMD in the entire Ohangwena Region, part of Oshikoto Region, as well as the Kunene, Omusati and Kavango West regions will continue. Vaccinations will also take place in an identified 30km strip south of the Namibian-Angolan border. He said surveillance teams will continue to remain on the ground to inspect livestock and also to ensure that suspicious cases are thoroughly and immediately investigated. Livestock owners are therefore urged to keep on reporting any suspicious cases of animal diseases to the nearest veterinary offices. The movement of animals to export-approved abattoirs and the actual slaughter of such animals are again authorised. Currently the abattoirs include the Oshakati and Katima Mulilo facilities. He said in terms of an existing legally signed agreement these two abattoirs are managed and operated by Meatco. The minister noted that the existing agreement will expire on March 4 but it may be extended by the ministry, upon request by Meatco. By the time of going to press Meatco had not responded to questions on whether they would be requesting for a renewal of the contract. Mutorwa further said bilateral consultations between Angola and Namibia at the appropriate diplomatic-political levels are ongoing. The FMD virus was introduced by cattle crossing the border from Angola. There is no border fence but Cabinet has decided to erect one. “Our ultimate objective is to eventually ensure free movement of our livestock, throughout Namibia, by eradicating FMD and other animal diseases. As such, we shall continue to welcome advice and support from each and all, to eventually achieve the stated national objectives.” ELLANIE SMIT