Namibia has confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the Zambezi Region, extending the country’s livestock disease concerns beyond the recent outbreak in the //Kharas Region and triggering an immediate suspension of livestock movement, marketing and trade across Zambezi.
Chief Veterinary Officer Kenneth Shoombe said the latest outbreak was confirmed at Kalala Island after 12 cattle samples tested positive for the highly contagious disease at the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek on 7 October 2026.
The confirmation followed an investigation by veterinary officials from the Katima Mulilo State Veterinary Office on 5 October, during which 20 cattle were found displaying clinical signs of FMD.
The latest outbreak comes weeks after authorities confirmed FMD cases in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in the //Kharas Region, raising further concerns over the spread of the disease and its potential impact on Namibia’s livestock industry.
Shoombe said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform had activated the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Contingency Plan under the Animal Health Act, 2011, and intensified surveillance to determine the extent of the outbreak.
As part of the containment measures, the ministry has suspended all movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products within the Zambezi Region until further notice.
All previously issued livestock movement permits have been cancelled, while livestock auctions, informal markets and other animal-gathering activities have been prohibited.
The restrictions also extend to slaughtering at local abattoirs, informal markets and social events, effectively halting several livestock trading activities across the region.
However, slaughtering at export abattoirs operating under Commodity-Based Trade arrangements remains permitted, provided cattle currently in quarantine meet the required traceability conditions.
Shoombe said authorities had established roadblocks at strategic locations to enforce the movement restrictions, while emergency vaccination had commenced in the affected area.
The outbreak poses further challenges to Namibia’s livestock sector, with movement restrictions and the suspension of trading activities expected to disrupt farmers, livestock traders and related businesses in the affected region.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and susceptible wildlife. The disease can spread rapidly among livestock, requiring strict movement controls and surveillance to prevent further transmission.
Clinical signs include blisters and sores around the mouth and hooves, excessive salivation, reluctance to move and deterioration in body condition.
Shoombe urged farmers and livestock owners to report suspected cases immediately to the nearest State Veterinary Office and comply with the restrictions imposed to contain the outbreak.
The ministry said further updates would be issued as surveillance and investigations continue.
