FMD restrictions to be eased once surveillance results are in

Restrictions imposed following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) will gradually be eased in certain areas once the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has assessed the extent of the outbreak.

Acting agriculture minister Charles Mubita, speaking during a press conference on the FMD outbreak on Saturday, said the ministry would use the results of intensified surveillance to determine the easing of restrictions.

“The outcome of this exercise will allow the ministry to determine how, where and when the current restrictions imposed on 23 September 2026 will gradually be eased,” Mubita said.

The restrictions, imposed on 23 September, affect the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products across the country.

Mubita said veterinary officials from various offices across the country, including the private and public sectors, had been mobilised to intensify traceability, clinical examinations and the collection of blood samples.

The ministry collected 199 animal samples between 22 and 25 September as part of a routine surveillance exercise in the ||Kharas, Khomas, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Oshana regions.

Of the 199 samples, 17 tested positive, with all positive results coming from the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

Mubita said the analysis of traceability data was only partially complete, as the 14-day incubation period was ongoing.

“While surveillance shall continue we will announce in due course the lifting of some restrictions in certain areas in line with the Animal Health Act, 1 of 2011 through a Veterinary Public Notice,” he said.

He called on the public to cooperate with authorities as surveillance and other measures to contain the outbreak continue.

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