Namibia holidaymakers can breathe a little easier. The government has relaxed measures to contain foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The foot-and-mouth virus was detected in cattle on a farm on Namibia's southern border on 22 September 2026 (see report on Namibian.org). It is situated in the ǁKharas region.
Before the FMD infection was detected on the farm, cattle had been transported from there to the Otjozondjupa region. This region is located in the north-eastern centre of Namibia.
Great relief: The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has now been able to declare these cattle free of infection following negative test results. The FMD outbreak therefore appears to be confined to the farm in the ǁKharas region so far.
Overview of the zones in Namibia for reopened and further restricted transport of meat and dairy products. The aim of the measures is to limit foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as far as possible to the affected farm in the south of Namibia. Graphic: Newsletter from Wildlife Vets Namibia.
The DVS has subsequently lifted the ban on transporting cloven-hoofed animals – as well as meat and dairy products derived from them – in northern Namibia. Restrictions have been eased in the central region. The ban remains in effect only in the southern ǁKharas region.
The DVS has established checkpoints at strategic locations across the country. Officials at these points inspect vehicles for livestock, game, and animal products subject to the ban. Violations carry penalties of up to 100,000 Namibian dollars (approximately 3,350 euros; amount at the current exchange rate, 1 ZAR = 1 N$) or five years in prison.
The FMD virus can also spread via vehicle tires and footwear. Consequently, travellers must drive or walk through a special disinfectant solution at these checkpoints. Further background information on FMD is available in a Wikipedia article.
The FMD outbreak poses a major threat to Namibia's economy. Until now, the area south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF), also known as the 'Red Line', in northern Namibia was considered FMD-free. This status is a prerequisite for significant meat exports to Europe.