THE European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended the import of fresh beef, sheep and goat meat and some processed meat products from Namibia.
The suspension also covers certain farmed and wild hoofed animals, as well as products such as biltong and jerky.
However, processed meat that has undergone the EU’s prescribed high-level treatment to reduce foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) risks can still enter the European market.
EU ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins says the measures are aimed at protecting animal health while Namibia works to contain the outbreak.
“Namibia has responded with speed and transparency, and we commend its veterinary services for their professional response,” Martins says in a statement on Monday.
The decision follows the confirmation of FMD on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District last month.
Following the outbreak, Namibian authorities notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and introduced restrictions on the movement and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their products.
The WOAH subsequently suspended Namibia’s FMD-free status for the affected zone with effect from 22 September.
