Windhoek
Today could mark a turnaround in Namibia’s relentless battle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) when the vaccination of all cattle in Mpungu Constituency in Kavango West Region will be completed.
This follows after two new cases were detected while the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) was undertaking surveillance in the area of Mpungu, which borders Ohangwena Region, where there was an outbreak of FMD last month.
The latest overall outbreak of FMD was also detected in some parts of Oshikoto, Oshana, and Omusati regions.
The acting director of DVS, Dr John Shoopala, yesterday said that in the latest cases the disease was detected at two farms in the Mpungu area after two farmers moved their cattle.
All movement of livestock has been stopped and the vaccination of some 1.4 million cattle is going ahead full steam, he says, adding that DVS is confident the disease will soon be halted.
Thirty-eight temporary roadblocks to monitor and enforce animal and commodity movement control, and decontamination of vehicles and footwear are in operation throughout the northern communal areas and at permanent veterinary checkpoints along the veterinary cordon fence.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Abraham Nehemia says it is of great concern that some livestock owners are deliberately moving animals illegally.
He urged livestock owners to desist from such counterproductive activities, saying such cases should be reported immediately to the nearest DVS office or even the police for possible action.
He also reminded the public that the uncontrolled and illegal movement of cloven-hoofed animals poses the greatest risk of spreading FMD.
According to Nehemia, cattle should be vaccinated initially twice 30 days apart and thereafter every four months until the disease is eliminated.
Livestock inspections to detect the disease is continuing throughout the NCAs and in the designated surveillance areas.
Vaccination is being carried out by 48 teams and the expected completion of the first round is end of June.
The first cases of the disease in the latest overall outbreak were detected at the Ondama Yomunghete crush pen on May 11 and at the Okalupalona and Onehanga crush pens on May 12, while more cases were detected on May 13 at Okakango village near Okankolo in Oshikoto Region.
As a result the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry imposed a ban on the marketing of cattle and cattle products in the north-central regions of Namibia.
Government is said to be spending about N$119 million on the vaccination of some 1.4 million head of cattle against FMD.