Windhoek
Following the World Organisation for Animal Health (DIE)’s recognition of Namibia as a country with negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease, changes in the approved Veterinary Import Permits (VIP) are required to provide the level of protection commensurate with the status so obtained.
As a result, the existing Veterinary Import Permits in respect of the import of live cattle, beef (excluding deboned beef) and intestines have been suspended with immediate effect. The suspension is retrospectively applicable to all valid veterinary import permits still in circulation and all future issuances of such permits.
A new model veterinary import permit has been drafted and will be shared with trading partners for their comments and approval.
Acting permanent secretary in the ministry of agriculture Sophia Kasheeta says all other animals and animal products, excluding live cattle, beef (not deboned beef) and intestines, may still be imported as normal subject to existing Veterinary Import Permits conditions.
Importers who experience specific problems with this suspension are advised to contact Dr Albertina Musilika-Shilongo at Tel 061-2087505 or e-mail shilongoa@mawf.gov.na or Dr Vistorina Bernhard at e-mail vbenhard@hotmail.com.