WINDHOEK – Precautionary measures have been put in place to safeguard the Namibian meat industry and to protect the interests of importing countries after an African Buffalo escaped from the Waterberg Plateau Park into the 26 farms located in the vicinity of the park in the Otjozondjupa Region.
Waterberg National Park is a park on the Waterberg plateau, 68 km southeast of Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region.
Confirming the escape of the buffalo and the precautionary measures, acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Abraham Nehemia said swift action was needed after it (the buffalo) escaped, as Namibia does not allow African Buffalo outside national parks because of the high risk it could transmit foot-and-mouth disease.
Movement restrictions were imposed on the 26 farms after the buffalo was reported to have escaped from the park on April 12.
According to wildlife legislation, any buffalo straying into farming areas should be destroyed on sight.
“A team of veterinary and wildlife officials has been in the nearby farms tracking with the purpose of destroying the animal. All 26 farms in the vicinity of the Waterberg Plateau have been declared as restricted areas where cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and game and any cloven hoofed animal and their products may not be removed with immediate effect,” Nehemia has warned.
He said these farms and areas are under restrictions and are subjected to review at any given time without prior notice and all animals’ gathering activities in these areas have been suspended until further notice. He says roadblocks will be set up at strategic points in order to ensure compliance with the above-mentioned measures.
“Intensified surveillance activities by veterinary officials have commenced and farmers and members of the public are requested to be on the lookout for the stray buffalo and report it to the nearest state veterinary office, police or the Ministry of Environment and Tourism,” he concluded.