… as second round of vaccinations is planned for //Kharas and Zambezi regions
Namibia has secured access to the Mauritian market for cattle, sheep and goat exports despite ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions, as authorities prepare for a second round of compulsory vaccinations to contain the disease.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said on Wednesday that negotiations with international trading partners had enabled livestock exports to Mauritius, subject to compliance with veterinary requirements and livestock movement restrictions.
“These engagements have enabled the export of cattle, sheep and goats to Mauritius, in compliance with the measures prescribed under VPN Nos. 19 and 20 of 2026, including the applicable requirements for the approved establishments from which animals may be exported,” the Ministry said.
The development comes as Namibia seeks alternative export markets following disruptions to livestock and meat exports caused by the FMD outbreaks, which have affected access to traditional international markets.
Meanwhile, Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said preparations were underway for a second round of compulsory FMD vaccinations in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions.
In //Kharas, authorities had recorded 131 positive FMD cases across 18 farms as of 11 November 2026, with the outbreak remaining confined to the region.
The first round of compulsory vaccinations, which began on 17 October, has been completed, with the Ministry reporting that its targets for cattle vaccinated and establishments covered had been achieved.
“The first round of vaccination has been completed, with the targeted number of cattle vaccinated and establishments covered successfully achieved. Preparations are underway for the second round, which will be conducted alongside post-vaccination monitoring and surveillance to assess the effectiveness of vaccination and support the early detection of any new infections,” Muyunda said.
He said surveillance had been extended to areas north of the B3 road, while further risk-based monitoring was planned for areas south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence outside //Kharas.
In the Zambezi Region, a total of 53,913 cattle have been vaccinated across 37 crush pens following the confirmation of FMD on Kalala Island on 6 October 2026.
The Ministry said preparations were underway for a second vaccination round targeting cattle within the designated Disease Management Area (DMA) and surrounding areas.
“No new FMD cases have been reported outside the designated DMA and therefore the outbreak remains confined to Kalala Island,” Muyunda said.
The Ministry is also preparing for its routine annual FMD vaccination programme across the rest of the Zambezi Region, where cattle are vaccinated two to three times a year.
Livestock movement restrictions remain in force, with veterinary checkpoints and roadblocks operating in affected and surrounding areas to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Ministry said engagements with international trading partners would continue to facilitate livestock trade in line with veterinary requirements and developments in the disease situation.
“As further epidemiological information becomes available and the disease situation is assessed, the Directorate will review and, where appropriate, progressively adjust the applicable control measures. All efforts remain focused on containing the outbreaks and facilitating the establishment of an appropriate containment area in accordance with the prescribed applicable animal health requirements as outlined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH),” the Ministry said.
