The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) says it has vaccinated over 29,000 cattle to contain the ongoing Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) outbreak in Namibia.
Since the first case was reported in the Okakakara Constituency in June 2024, the disease has spread to multiple regions, including Omaheke, Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto and Kunene. To date, there have been 1,564 clinical cases and 443 deaths.
“LSD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and is transmitted through vectors (biting insects). DVS has successfully vaccinated 17,671 cattle in Otjombinde Constituency under Epukiro State Veterinary District. An additional 11,066 cattle were vaccinated in Okakarara, Otjituuo, Okondjatu and Okamatapati under Okakarara State Veterinary District,” said agriculture ministry’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Johannes Shoopala.
He further explained that, effective immediately, all cattle destined for export must be vaccinated at least 21 days but no more than 12 months before export.
Shoopala said starting from 13 March 2025, cattle movements from designated areas, including Okakarara, Grootfontein, Nkurenkuru, Ondangwa, Epukiro, Otjinene, Rundu, Eenhana, Katima Mulilo and Omuthiya State Veterinary Districts, will be allowed, provided the cattle have been vaccinated within the specified time frame.
However, he highlighted that cattle exhibiting clinical signs of LSD will not be permitted to move, and any cattle found with clinical signs during animal gatherings will be isolated and sent back to their area of origin.
“Existing control measures remain in force in the affected areas,” he said.
Farmers across the country are urged to vaccinate their cattle, control biting insects, and report any suspected cases to the nearest DVS office.
In addition to the ongoing vaccination campaigns, DVS is in the process of acquiring additional vaccines and planning further vaccination efforts in the areas with the highest infection rates.
