Directorate of Veterinary Services

Also known as: DVS

Government agency managing Namibia's animal health surveillance, disease control, and livestock import regulations, including rabies vaccination campaigns and foot-and-mouth disease prevention.

Agriculture & Land

Namibia needs N$1.5 billion to defend against FMD spread

The News

Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani announced that Namibia requires an investment of N$1.5 billion to strengthen prevention and preparedness measures against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which is currently affecting South Africa and Botswana. Cabinet has approved an additional N$57.5 million for critical FMD prevention activities, but the minister stressed that further investment is needed to protect the livestock sector valued at N$15 billion and preserve market access.

11 February 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 11 February

Namibia needs N$1.5 billion to defend against FMD spread
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani announced that Namibia requires an investment of N$1.5 billion to strengthen prevention and preparedness measures against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which is currently affecting South Africa and Botswana. Cabinet has approved an additional N$57.5 million for critical FMD prevention activities, but the minister stressed that further investment is needed to protect the livestock sector valued at N$15 billion and preserve market access.
11 February 2026 · Informanté →
Government asserts readiness for foot-and-mouth disease threat
The Ministry of Agriculture says Namibia's animal health systems are prepared to respond to foot-and-mouth disease risks from neighbouring countries experiencing outbreaks, and has implemented preventive measures including veterinary controls at ports of entry and a ban on meat and dairy imports from South Africa since September.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 9 February

Namibia's poultry sector shows strong growth amid input cost challenges
The Namibia Agricultural Union reports that the poultry sector is the second-largest contributor to farmers' cash receipts, with broiler production up 14.94% in 2024 and egg production up 6.63%. Growth is expected to continue in 2025, though the sector faces challenges from high input costs, climate variability, and animal health risks including potential avian influenza spillover from South Africa.
9 February 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 7 February

Namibia heightens biosecurity against Foot-and-Mouth Disease threat
Namibia remains free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease but remains on high alert as cases spread in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana. Veterinary authorities have implemented stringent border and import controls, and are urging farmers to observe strict biosecurity measures to protect the country's disease-free status.
7 February 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 3 February

Namibia stockpiles FMD vaccines as regional outbreaks spread
Namibia has procured equipment, vaccines and materials to combat foot-and-mouth disease, and established mobile emergency stores to respond to suspected outbreaks. The move comes as South Africa and Botswana battle mounting FMD cases, prompting strict border controls and import bans to protect Namibia's status as one of Africa's few FMD-free countries.
3 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 27 January

Namibia strengthens defences as foot-and-mouth disease threatens exports
Namibia's N$8-billion annual red meat industry faces serious risk from foot-and-mouth disease spreading from South Africa, prompting authorities to implement biosecurity measures including vehicle disinfection at borders and a ban on South African meat, dairy, and live animals. Industry leaders warn that an outbreak would devastate exports to key markets including the EU, China, and the United States, causing farmer bankruptcies and widespread job losses.
27 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 14 January

Savanna Beef secures N$40 million investment boost
Savanna Beef has raised an additional N$40 million in private equity funding from BPF Windsor Holdings Ltd, bringing total private equity financing to N$290 million. The company has completed its abattoir construction, begun meat production for training purposes, and is pursuing EU export certification targeted for 2026.
14 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 9 January

Namibia suspends bran imports from Angola over compliance
The Directorate of Veterinary Services has suspended importation of bran and milling by-products from Angola effective 5 January 2026, citing non-compliance with import requirements and disease risks to Namibian livestock. All previously issued import permits have been cancelled pending further agreement between the two countries' veterinary authorities.
9 January 2026 · Informanté →