The government of Namibia has imposed a ban on livestock and other related meat products importation from Botswana. Namibia’s agriculture ministry announced the suspension follows a suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Botswana.
The suspected cases of the viral disease – which causes lesions and lameness in cattle, sheep and other cloven-hoofed animals but does not affect people – were detected in Botswana’s North East district.
In-transit movement
“Imports of all FMD susceptible animals, their raw products and other potential infectious materials such as straw, forage, lucerne and their livestock feed from Botswana has been suspended… until further notice. The ban is effective immediately,” said the Ministry.
The in-transit movement of raw livestock products and livestock feed through Botswana intended for Namibia is however allowed provided that transporting vehicles are sealed, the ministry said. Cattle exports are a key source of foreign currency for Namibia which is allowed to export beef to China, EU, and United States.
Earlier in the month, neighbouring South Africa reported over 100 cases of the disease and has put a hold on all movement of cattle in the country except for slaughter to contain the outbreak.
