Foot and mouth disease threat puts Namibia’s meat Industry on alert

Namibia’s N$8 billion annual meat industry is facing a serious threat amid fears that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), currently spreading across several provinces in neighbouring South Africa, could cross the border. The disease is already placing South Africa’s livestock sector under severe strain due to trade restrictions, quarantine costs and the loss of export markets. Namibia’s agriculture sector has been placed on high alert, with particular concern for southern regions close to South Africa where human and animal movement by road and air remains frequent.

Authorities warn that an outbreak in Namibia would have devastating economic consequences, particularly for the red meat industry. Any loss of the country’s FMD-free status would immediately halt livestock trade and shut Namibia out of premium export markets such as the European Union, China and the United States. This would lead to sharp declines in cattle and sheep prices, income losses for farmers, potential bankruptcies, job losses and knock-on effects across related industries including feed supply and veterinary services.

To prevent the disease from entering the country, the government has imposed bans on meat, dairy products, live animals and reproductive materials from South Africa, alongside stricter controls at ports of entry. Measures include vehicle and passenger disinfection, enhanced biosecurity awareness and the planned construction of disinfection wash bays at key border posts.
Farmers and travellers are being urged to limit contact with livestock after visiting South Africa, while a nationwide subsidy has been introduced to support vaccination against lumpy skin disease as part of broader efforts to safeguard animal health and trade integrity.