Namibia has vaccinated 62,180 cattle across the //Kharas and Zambezi regions as veterinary authorities intensify efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks that have prompted livestock movement restrictions and increased surveillance.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Deputy Director Romeo Muyunda said on Wednesday that vaccination campaigns were continuing in the affected regions, while authorities had mobilised approximately N$16.2 million in donations and pledges to support the national response.
According to Muyunda, 18 farms in the //Kharas Region have been confirmed as infected, with 131 positive FMD cases recorded as of 4 November 2026.
The outbreak, first confirmed on 23 September, remains confined to the Karasburg State Veterinary District.
He said compulsory vaccinations commenced on 17 October, with 19 teams deployed to contain the disease.
“The compulsory FMD vaccination campaign commenced on 17 October 2026 in the //Kharas Region, with 19 vaccination teams deployed. As of 4 November 2026, a total of 8,267 cattle had been vaccinated across 90 farms,” Muyunda said.
The Ministry has also expanded surveillance to areas north of the B3 road, where 51 farms have been inspected and sampled during the second round of surveillance.
Meanwhile, 19 stationary roadblocks and veterinary checkpoints remain operational across the //Kharas, Hardap, Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions to enforce livestock movement restrictions and prevent the spread of the disease.
In the Zambezi Region, where FMD was confirmed on Kalala Island on 6 October, veterinary authorities have completed the first round of vaccinations, covering 53,913 cattle across 37 crush pens within a 30-kilometre radius of the affected area.
Muyunda said preparations were underway for a second vaccination round targeting cattle within the designated Disease Management Area (DMA) and surrounding areas.
“Preparations are underway for the second round of vaccination targeting cattle within the DMA and surrounding areas,” he said.
He added that preparations were also being made for the routine annual FMD vaccination programme across the rest of the Zambezi Region.
The Ministry confirmed that no new cases had been reported outside the DMA, with the Zambezi outbreak remaining confined to Kalala Island.
Meanwhile, Muyunda said the national FMD response had attracted approximately N$16.2 million in donations and pledges from companies, organisations and individuals.
“The Ministry appreciates the generous response from companies, organisations and individuals who have pledged and contributed towards the national FMD response efforts. To date, the fund has mobilised approximately N$16.2 million in donations and pledges,” he said.
“The Ministry remains encouraged by the support received and calls upon more companies, organisations and individuals to join this national effort.”
The Ministry said restrictions on the movement of livestock and animal products remain in force under Veterinary Public Notification No. 20 of 2026 as authorities continue implementing measures to contain the outbreaks.
