Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Threatens Namibia's Beef Export Industry
Namibia's lucrative livestock and beef export industry is facing significant challenges due to an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). The FMD-free status of the country, which is internationally recognized, has been suspended following the confirmation of the disease on September 23 at a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District. This outbreak has led to restrictions on livestock movement, slaughtering, and trade in susceptible animal products. The impact is already evident in international markets, with the United Kingdom suspending imports of fresh bovine, sheep, and goat meat from Namibia. The European Union has also imposed temporary import restrictions. As of November 9, 18 farms in the Karasburg Veterinary District have tested positive, with 131 positive animal cases recorded, and the outbreak has also been confirmed in the Zambezi Region. Despite these challenges, Namibia recorded over N$323 million in bovine product exports in September 2026, with the Netherlands, South Afric...