Veterinary directorate imposes new import restrictions

Namibia has introduced new veterinary import restrictions following outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in neighbouring countries.

The measures announced by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform are aimed at protecting Namibia’s livestock sector from contracting devastating animal diseases.

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union newsletter, the DVS announced in a notice dated 10 March an immediate ban on the importation and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from Botswana.

The decision follows confirmed outbreaks of FMD in Botswana, as reported through the World Animal Health Information System.

According to the notice, the restriction applies to animals and animal products, including those intended for personal or household consumption, originating from several zones in Botswana.

“The measure is intended to mitigate the risk of introducing the FMD virus into Namibia, particularly into the country’s disease-free commercial farming areas,” says the notice.

However, the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from other designated zones in Botswana may still be permitted, but only under strict conditions and with a valid veterinary import permit.

Veterinary authorities emphasised that these controls are part of Namibia’s broader biosecurity strategy to safeguard the livestock industry and maintain the country’s favourable animal health status.

In addition to the restrictions on imports from Botswana, the DVS has also suspended the importation into Namibia and transit of live poultry, birds and poultry products originating from the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina.

This follows a reported outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in that region.

“All previously issued import permits for poultry and poultry products from the affected province have been cancelled with immediate effect. However, poultry that was already packaged in water and sealed before 5 February may still enter or transit Namibia,” says the directorate.

“Processed poultry products and by-products that meet the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health may still be imported or transported through Namibia, provided they are accompanied by a valid veterinary import permit,” says the directorate.

The DVS says the measures are precautionary and form part of ongoing efforts to protect Namibia’s livestock sector from the economic and animal health consequences of transboundary diseases.

Importers and stakeholders requiring clarification on the new measures have been advised to contact the veterinary import control office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.

– Email: matthew@namibian.com.na

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