Local farmers in Zambezi can breathe a sigh of relief after the agriculture ministry announced the lifting of control measures imposed in the region as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak, which occurred in Mbalasinte in Kabbe South Constituency in the Zambezi region in October 2022. 

The directorate of veterinary services, under the agriculture ministry, said the last confirmed case was reported on 29 November 2022 – and according to Namibia’s FMD contingency plan, restrictions in the infected zone can be lifted three months after the last confirmed case.

Therefore, 1 March 2023 marked exactly three months after the last confirmed FMD case in the region. 

Chief veterinary officer Albertina Shilongo said all FMD restrictive measures that were imposed as a result of the outbreak are therefore lifted with immediate effect.

“To date, the mass vaccination of cattle in the affected area has been completed, achieving 92% coverage. The ministry would like to thank the farmers, the public and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support in the fight against the FMD outbreak,” Shilongo acknowledged. 

– anakale@nepc.com.na