FMD: Ban on transporting meat products

Cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been confirmed in southern Namibia. The immediate containment measures will also affect travellers. Import and export of meat products as well as their transport within Namibia are prohibited. It has not yet been fully clarified whether dairy products are also covered by the ban.

Cattle on a farm in the ǁKaras region of southern Namibia tested positive for FMD the day before yesterday. They had previously exhibited typical symptoms, such as foaming at the mouth and sores in the mouth and between the hooves. A Wikipedia article provides further background on this disease.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) responded immediately with a series of emergency measures. These include bans on the import, export and transport of cloven-hoofed animals and raw products derived from them. Zones and checkpoints are being established to enforce these regulations.

In a special newsletter, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) listed the cloven-hoofed animals concerned: cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and game. Cloven-hoofed game species include oryx, kudu, and springbok. Their meat is frequently served in restaurants and lodges. The NAU also highlighted dairy products, which the MAFWLR had not explicitly mentioned.

Travellers to Namibia should therefore not take along any meat or dairy products on the individual legs of their round trip. Tour operators offering itineraries that include South Africa and Botswana warned against panic. They noted that tourism operations in neighbouring countries are continuing without significant disruption from FMD control measures.

However, travellers should expect vehicle searches at checkpoints. They must also drive or walk through shallow disinfectant baths.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services within the MAFWLR is expected to issue a statement with further details shortly. Travel industry associations are currently compiling reliable information for their members and travellers.

FMD already widespread in South Africa and Botswana

Typical symptoms of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus: foaming at the mouth and sores in the mouth and between the hooves. Photos: 'Special Newsletter' from the Namibia Agricultural Union.

The spread of FMD to Namibia had long been a concern. The disease has spread rapidly in South Africa since August 2025, and Botswana reported an FMD outbreak in January 2026. In response, Namibia had stepped up border controls and precautionary measures.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has recognised Namibia as an FMD-free zone. This status is a prerequisite for economically vital meat exports to the European Union. The MAFWLR and NAU urged everyone to cooperate fully, emphasising that this is the only way to prevent the further spread of FMD.