The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has imposed an immediate ban on the importation and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from Germany following a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Directorate of Veterinary Services announced the decision on January 10, citing the need to protect Namibia’s animal health status under the Animal Health Act of 2011.
“Following a confirmed report on January 10, 2025, of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, the Directorate of Veterinary Services has instituted the following risk mitigation measures with immediate effect,” said MAWLR Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Johannes Shoopala.
The ban suspends all veterinary import permits for commodities including fresh or frozen meat and meat products from cloven-hoofed animals, unpasteurized milk and milk-derived products, live cloven-hoofed animals, and untreated hides, skins, hairs, and trophies from cloven-hoofed animals.
However, processed products meeting safety standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health will still be allowed. These include processed meat and meat products, pasteurized milk and milk-derived products, and processed hides, skins, hairs, and trophies.
Shoopala emphasized that the measures aim to prevent the spread of FMD to Namibia and will remain in force until further notice.
