Namibia Talks Focus on Separate Sheep and Cattle FMD Protocols

Recent engagement between South African and Namibian livestock industry bodies has highlighted the need to manage sheep and cattle under separate import protocols, according to Proagri.

The discussions follow confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Namibia’s Karas Region on 23 September. Proagri reported that the conversations centered on the significantly different FMD risk profiles associated with the two species.

Species-specific import approach

Proagri said the industry bodies underscored the case for distinct protocols for sheep and cattle rather than treating the species through a single import framework.

For animal-health sales professionals, the engagement places FMD-related import management, species differentiation and cross-border livestock movement at the center of the current discussion between the two countries’ industry representatives.

FMD outbreak context

The confirmed outbreak in the Karas Region provides the immediate context for the engagement. Proagri identified the date of confirmation as 23 September and reported that FMD concerns were central to the focus on separate protocols.

The reported discussions illustrate how disease events can bring import procedures and livestock risk management into sharper focus, particularly where cattle and sheep have materially different risk profiles.

What the engagement highlighted

• South African and Namibian livestock industry bodies recently engaged on import protocols.
• The discussion followed confirmation of FMD in Namibia’s Karas Region.
• Participants highlighted separate management of sheep and cattle imports.
• Proagri reported that the distinction reflects significantly different FMD risk profiles.

Proagri’s report keeps attention on the animal-health implications of species-specific import controls amid the FMD concerns connected to the Karas Region outbreak.