The recent outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) has really tested the character of Namibia’s livestock industry, Meatco says in its latest E-News newsletter.
“Considering that Namibia has spent many years and substantial resources to ensure that we have access to high-value markets for our beef and related commodities/products, and that the local meat industry is currently worth in excess of N$2.4 billion a year, it is vital that the requirements for keeping access to international markets are maintained,” the company sates. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa, the vaccination of cattle in affected areas has already begun and is moving ahead as planned. Furthermore, the ministry has procured enough vaccine against FMD to treat about 1.4 million cattle.
Meatco’s Quality Assurance team has full confidence in the activities undertaken by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) to combat and contain the recent FMD outbreak.
“The full amour of resources, facilities and expertise, as well as a contingency plan has been put in place which is now being rolled out, so we have faith in the process,” states Meatco.
After the outbreak was reported, movement of animals and meat products like milk and meat from the affected areas, was stopped. As one of the industry players, Meatco has availed resources and facilities and has been assisting the ministry in its drive to fight the disease.
Since only the NCAs have been affected, Meatco is confident that the outbreak will be contained and will not spread south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF). The Directorate of Veterinary Services has created an FMD Hotline 0800809840 for any queries.