Livestock farmers in parts of the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions can breathe a sigh of relief after the government officially lifted movement restrictions that were imposed following the sighting of a lone African buffalo in these areas.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services announced this in a statement on Friday.
It says restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products at the Oshikunde and Okongo constituencies in the Ohangwena region, as well as the Mpungu constituency in the Kavango West region, have been removed with immediate effect.
The restrictions were introduced in May after a buffalo was spotted roaming in the three constituencies, raising concerns over a possible outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
FMD is a highly contagious animal disease that can severely impact livestock production and trade.
Chief veterinary officer Kenneth Shoombe says the buffalo was spotted at Mpora Village in the Mankumpi area of the Kavango West region on 5 June, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism euthanised the animal on 7 June.
“Samples collected from the animal were sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory on 8 June for testing. The results confirmed that the buffalo tested negative for the foot and mouth disease virus,” he says.
Following the negative test results, veterinary authorities lifted all movement restrictions that had been imposed in accordance with the Animal Health Act, Shoombe says.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform commends farmers, community members and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support during the period of restriction.
Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and continue reporting any unusual animal health concerns to the nearest veterinary office.
