Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Namibia contains cattle disease outbreak as EU suspends some meat imports
Namibia has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in the southern //Kharas Region and the northern Zambezi Region.
The outbreak was first confirmed on a commercial farm on September 23, and tests confirmed the second regional outbreak on October 7.
The EU has suspended several meat imports from Namibia, putting pressure on a country where livestock exports are important to the economy.
In Windhoek, closures and concerns about supplies have left market stalls empty, while some sellers say meat is more expensive and business is slower.
Namibia has restricted animal movements and livestock gatherings in the affected Zambezi Region, and some local slaughter has been suspended.
Emergency vaccination and surveillance are under way to limit the spread, while eligible cattle can still be slaughtered for export if they meet quarantine and traceability requirements.
Namibia is responding to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks confirmed in two regions, with the European Union suspending some meat imports.
The first outbreak was confirmed on a commercial farm in the //Kharas Region on September 23, 2026.
The disease was confirmed in cattle in the Zambezi Region on October 7.
Restrictions in the Zambezi Region include suspending some animal movements, markets and slaughter, while emergency vaccination and surveillance are under way.
The outbreak and concerns about meat supplies have disrupted businesses and contributed to higher prices in Windhoek.
- Who
- Namibia’s veterinary authorities and government are responding to the outbreaks. The EU has suspended some meat imports.
- What
- Foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in cattle in two regions of Namibia.
- When
- The first outbreak was confirmed on September 23, 2026; the second was confirmed on October 7.
- Where
- The outbreaks were reported in the //Kharas Region in southern Namibia and the Zambezi Region in the north.
- Why
- Authorities are taking measures to contain the disease and prevent its spread.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services confirmed an outbreak on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said surveillance teams had recorded 127 positive cases across 15 farms.
The agriculture ministry reported 129 positive animal samples and 17 confirmed infected farms.
Laboratory tests confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in cattle at Kalala Island in the Zambezi Region.
The agriculture ministry announced restrictions across the Zambezi Region.
- First outbreak
- Confirmed September 23, 2026, in the Karasburg State Veterinary District
- Second outbreak
- Kalala Island, Zambezi Region
- Positive cases
- 127 across 15 farms reported on October 5
- Infected farms
- 17 reported by the agriculture ministry as of October 6
- Inspected animals
- 29,313 across 68 farms, according to the president’s October 5 address
What people are saying
We had to close the market for several days.
For those in the export business, this will have grave implications.
Our business is slow. We are struggling to buy meat, but without it, we cannot survive.