foot-and-mouth disease

Also known as: FMD · Foot and Mouth Disease

2026-02-062026-10-21

News reports

Order a long-term news report on foot-and-mouth disease

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

October 2026
6 OctNew Era
The European Union (EU) yesterday officially suspended all imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat and related products from Namibia’s previously Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zone, following Saturday’s spike in the number of new FMD cases. …
EU bans Namibia’s beef imports from FMD-free zone…preferential EU trade access unaffected
6 OctWindhoek Observer
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s address to the nation on Monday evening was necessary, timely and, importantly, an acknowledgement that the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the south is no longer simply an agricultural problem. …
FMD: A TEST OF NNN’S PRESIDENCY
6 OctWindhoek Observer
Renthia Kaimbi The government’s consideration of livestock culling as part of its response to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak has raised questions about who will ultimately bear the financial burden when animals are destroyed to contain the disease. …
FMD culling sparks concern over farmers’ financial losses
5 OctWindhoek Observer
By Staff Reporter Agribank has urged customers affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak to engage the bank if the outbreak and related restrictions are affecting their farming or agribusiness operations. …
Agribank urges FMD-hit farmers to engage
5 OctInformanté
Staff Reporter THE European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended imports of fresh meat from cattle, sheep and goats, as well as relevant farmed and wild ungulates and certain processed meat products from Namibia following the country’s Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. …
FMD outbreak triggers temporary EU meat import suspension
5 OctWindhoek Observer
Renthia Kaimbi Farmers in the //Kharas Region have been warned against independently vaccinating livestock or carrying out other disease-control measures as the government intensifies efforts to contain the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which has so far recorded 79 posit …
Farmers warned against independent FMD interventions …as government seeks N$190m
5 OctWindhoek Observer
… Nandi-Ndaitwah also warned that Namibia’s economic ambitions face threats, including the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. …
NNN pushes Rundu as regional economic hub
3 OctInformanté
Staff Reporter THE FMD Support Fund has mobilised more than N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits and camping equipment to support 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) teams responding to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the //Kharas Re …
FMD Support Fund mobilises N$1.5 million in emergency supplies
1 OctNew Era
Otniel Hembapu As one of the biggest key sources of live cattle for major South African feedlots, fears are now growing that Namibia’s ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions and a possible prolonged halt of cross-border trading could tighten supplies and raise costs fo …
Pressure mounts on SA feedlots
September 2026
30 SeptThe Namibian
||Kharas region farmers face severe financial pressure following the nationwide cancellation and postponement of livestock auctions caused by the recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)outbreak. …
Auction cancellations hit farmers’ pockets

Society

WorldSkills champion George Victor awarded over N$55,000 in prizes

The News

George P. Victor, a Welding competitor from Eenhana VTC, won the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China (22–27 September 2026) and was honoured at the NEV TVET Hub graduation in Ondangwa. The NTA CEO awarded him N$30,000, his Expert N$15,000, the Oshana Governor pledged N$10,000, and the National Planning Commission Director-General pledged the cash equivalent of five head of cattle.

15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 15 October

WorldSkills champion George Victor awarded over N$55,000 in prizes
George P. Victor, a Welding competitor from Eenhana VTC, won the Best of Nation Award at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China (22–27 September 2026) and was honoured at the NEV TVET Hub graduation in Ondangwa. The NTA CEO awarded him N$30,000, his Expert N$15,000, the Oshana Governor pledged N$10,000, and the National Planning Commission Director-General pledged the cash equivalent of five head of cattle.
15 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Thursday 8 October

Nafau opposes Beefcor's 393 proposed retrenchments at Okahandja abattoir
The Namibia Allied and Food Workers Union has called on Beefcor Meat Suppliers to delay plans to retrench 393 workers at its Okahandja facility, arguing the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was only confirmed last month and companies should allow time for restrictions to ease before cutting jobs. Beefcor says the FMD outbreak and restrictions on livestock movement and beef exports have crippled operations and caused lost export income, particularly to the EU market.
8 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Court dismisses challenge to FMD fence contract award
The High Court dismissed an urgent application by China Jiangxi International (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd JV Homefin Properties CC to stop implementation of an emergency contract for veterinary cordon fences along Namibia's border with South Africa. Although the court found Homefin had established grounds to challenge the cancellation of the original competitive bidding process, it ruled the balance of convenience did not favour granting the interdict, citing the successful bidder's mobilisation and the escalating threat of Foot-and-Mouth Disease spreading into Namibia.
8 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Kapana sellers seek government relief amid FMD outbreak
Informal meat traders selling kapana at Single Quarters in Katutura are calling for government financial assistance as business declines due to Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak and resulting livestock movement restrictions. Some vendors have proposed a relief allowance of at least N$700 per month to help affected workers survive the outbreak.
8 October 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 7 October

Government opts for FMD vaccination over culling in Karasburg
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that Cabinet will vaccinate cattle affected by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Karasburg rather than cull them, citing scientific advice that culling is most effective within 24 to 48 hours of detection. About 100,000 vaccine doses are available, with officials arranging cold storage closer to the affected area.
7 October 2026 · Informanté →
EU backs northern Namibia beef export if disease-free
The European Union says it supports efforts to allow Namibia's northern communal farmers to enter international markets if the regions attain disease-free status to export meat. This follows the EU's temporary suspension of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat imports from Namibia due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
7 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Beefcor considers retrenching 393 workers amid FMD restrictions
Beefcor Meat Suppliers is considering retrenching 393 employees at its Okahandja abattoir due to foot-and-mouth disease restrictions that have disrupted livestock slaughtering and beef exports. The company cited reduced operations, lost export income, and ongoing costs as reasons for the proposed retrenchments across multiple departments.
7 October 2026 · Informanté →
Itula urges government to disclose FMD recovery plan and funding
Opposition leader Panduleni Itula has called on the government to publish a fully costed recovery plan for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, including funding details, fencing milestones, and emergency contracts. The call follows a procurement dispute over a veterinary cordon fence along the South African border, with the estimated containment requirement at N$190.2 million.
7 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 6 October

Namibia, South Africa discuss reopening suspended livestock auctions
South African animal health experts will meet with Namibian officials on Friday to discuss protocols for resuming livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani said the government will focus on containing the outbreak in Karasburg before gradually reopening trade with South Africa.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
EU temporarily suspends Namibian beef imports over FMD outbreak
The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat, and certain processed meat products from Namibia following a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed last month in the ||Kharas region and now affecting 11 farms. The EU ambassador says Namibia's market share is small and EU businesses will source beef from other suppliers, with limited market impact expected.
6 October 2026 · The Namibian →
EU suspends Namibian beef, sheep, and goat meat imports
The European Union has suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat and related products from Namibia's FMD-free zone following confirmation of 79 new foot-and-mouth disease cases across 11 farms in the ||Kharas region. The World Organisation for Animal Health has revoked Namibia's FMD-free zone status.
6 October 2026 · New Era →
FMD outbreak tests government's disease containment capacity
President Nandi-Ndaitwah's address acknowledged the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the south as a national economic and public health crisis affecting thousands of livestock-dependent livelihoods. However, the article questions whether the government's response—including 20 surveillance teams and 10 roadblocks in //Kharas Region—is being implemented with sufficient discipline and consistency, noting reports of unmonitored travel and apparent enforcement gaps.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
FMD culling considered; farmers worry over compensation
The government is considering livestock culling as a control measure for the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in affected and high-risk areas, with questions remaining about the financial implications for farmers whose animals would be destroyed.
6 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 5 October

Agribank offers case-by-case support to FMD-affected farmers
Agribank has urged customers affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak to engage the bank, stating that affected clients will be assessed individually with support for repayment arrangements and other options.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
EU suspends fresh meat imports from Namibia after FMD outbreak
The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh meat from cattle, sheep, goats, and relevant farmed and wild ungulates from Namibia following the country's Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak confirmed on 23 September 2026. Processed meat that has undergone the most severe risk-mitigating treatment prescribed in EU legislation remains eligible for entry.
5 October 2026 · Informanté →
Government warns farmers against independent FMD vaccination efforts
Farmers in the //Kharas Region have been warned against independently vaccinating livestock or carrying out other disease-control measures as the government contains a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak that has recorded 79 positive samples across 11 farms. The government plans to introduce vaccination of eligible livestock within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance, and strict movement controls.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
President urges Rundu to become SADC regional economic hub
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for Rundu to position itself as a regional economic hub by harnessing technology, expanding into regional markets and driving local value addition. She highlighted Rundu's strategic location as a gateway to SADC markets and noted that improved connectivity networks could strengthen its position as an economic hub.
5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 3 October

FMD Support Fund mobilises N$1.5 million in emergency supplies
The FMD Support Fund has mobilised more than N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits and camping equipment to support 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services teams responding to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas Region, with supplies provided by industry partners Agra, CYMOT, Agrimark and SWAVET.
3 October 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 1 October

FMD restrictions threaten Namibian cattle exports to South Africa
Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions and potential cross-border trading halt risk tightening live cattle supplies to South African feedlots, which account for over 90% of Namibia's live cattle shipments, and could raise beef costs for South African consumers long term. The Namibian government is fast-tracking a zoning framework to isolate the //Kharas region outbreak and restore trade access.
1 October 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 30 September

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak threatens farmers' income
Livestock auction cancellations and postponements across Namibia, prompted by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, are placing financial pressure on farmers who depend on sales to cover monthly expenses and herd maintenance. A farmer in the Karasburg area notes that those without financial reserves face severe hardship as the government implements movement and trade restrictions to contain the disease.
30 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 29 September

FMD restrictions allow livestock slaughter at home for weddings
Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture says families may slaughter livestock at home for weddings and events, provided the animals are already at the venue, but transportation between locations remains prohibited following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Traditional authorities say the restrictions violate customs such as lobola, a traditional practice involving the transfer of cattle.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →
FMD outbreak may boost charcoal production as livestock income drops
The Charcoal Association of Namibia says the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the ||Kharas region could drive increased charcoal production as farmers seek alternative income sources due to livestock farming disruptions. The outbreak was confirmed in the Karasburg state veterinary district on 23 September, with 63 cattle showing clinical signs detected during routine surveillance.
29 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 28 September

Are Namibian entrepreneurs prepared for economic crisis?
An opinion piece argues that the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak should prompt Namibian entrepreneurs to assess their readiness for sudden economic crises, drawing lessons from COVID-19's impact on businesses and supply chains.
28 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 27 September

FMD restrictions partially lifted in //Kharas region
Namibia's agriculture ministry has partially lifted restrictions imposed after a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg Veterinary District of //Kharas. Movement restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals and their products north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence have been lifted, though restrictions remain on movement of such animals and products from north to south across the fence.
27 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Meatco calls for discipline as FMD surveillance continues
Meatco's Interim CEO has urged continued discipline and reliance on verified information as surveillance continues following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg State Veterinary District. The latest surveillance results show confirmed cases remain geographically confined to Karasburg, with the incubation period still ongoing and restrictions expected to be eased gradually pending further results.
27 September 2026 · Informanté →

Friday 25 September

Windhoek suspends meat permits after FMD outbreak confirmed
The City of Windhoek has suspended the issuance of meat permits and slaughtering of cloven-hoofed animals following confirmation of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the //Kharas Region. The suspension includes restrictions on informal kapana markets and the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products within the city.
25 September 2026 · Informanté →
FMD suspension affects kapana vendors and customary cattle slaughter
A nationwide suspension of livestock movement, trade and slaughtering following Foot-and-Mouth Disease detection in the //Kharas Region has left kapana vendors and families preparing customary events uncertain about cattle slaughter for lobola and funerals. Lawyers representing Affirmative Repositioning's Job Amupanda have demanded clarification from the acting agriculture minister on the scope and legal basis of the restrictions.
25 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Grootfontein Agricultural Show continues despite livestock recall
The Grootfontein Agricultural and Industrial Show continues until 25 September following an FMD outbreak, but livestock exhibitors have been required to return cattle and small stock to their farms of origin. Organizers say the financial impact is significant for breeders who had prepared for auctions and other activities.
25 September 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 24 September

Lawmaker demands clarification on nationwide FMD livestock restrictions
National Assembly member Job Amupanda has requested urgent clarification from the Ministry of Agriculture over nationwide livestock movement restrictions imposed after Foot-and-Mouth Disease was detected at a commercial farm in Karasburg. Amupanda questions why nationwide restrictions apply to a single-farm outbreak in the FMD Free Zone, and is seeking details on the legal basis, scientific justification, economic impact, and expected duration of the measures.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
FMD outbreak causes red meat shortages at retailers
An FMD outbreak in Namibia is affecting red meat availability, with some retailers reporting depleted stocks as consumers rush to buy meat and processors adjust operations due to livestock movement and trade restrictions. A supermarket in Walvis Bay has run out of red meat, and Beefcor outlets in Windhoek are running low as the situation is compounded by increased stock buying amid uncertainty.
24 September 2026 · Informanté →