DVS to brief ǁKharas stakeholders on FMD controls

The Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) will hold foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) information sessions in the ǁKharas Region from 22 to 24 October 2026.

The first session, a regional stakeholder engagement on proposed animal disease control measures, will take place at the ǁKharas Regional Council Hall in Keetmanshoop on 22 October from 09:00 to 13:00. A farmers’ information session will follow at the Schuetzenhaus in Keetmanshoop from 14:00 to 18:00. Further sessions are scheduled for the Aroab Farmers Association Hall on 23 October from 09:00 to 13:00 and the Verre Suide Farmers Association Hall on 24 October, also from 09:00 to 13:00.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Kenneth Shoombe has urged livestock farmers, farmers’ unions and associations, traditional authorities, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, food business operators, retailers, abattoir operators and other stakeholders in the livestock and agricultural sectors to attend. “The primary purpose of these sessions is to provide updates on the current FMD outbreak, explain the disease control measures being implemented to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread, and engage stakeholders on interventions aimed at facilitating the recovery of livestock marketing and market access,” Shoombe said.

Discussions will cover measures outlined in Veterinary Public Notifications (VPNs) 18 and 19 of 2026, the proposed FMD containment zone, mandatory vaccination, livestock movement restrictions, biosecurity requirements and the strategy for restoring market access.

Shoombe stressed that effective FMD control requires the co-operation of all stakeholders and strict adherence to veterinary directives.

“Collective action is essential to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission, safeguard animal health and support the recovery of the livestock sector. All stakeholders are therefore urged to mobilise their members and farmers in their respective areas to attend these important information sessions,” he said.

To minimise the risk of spreading FMD, all attendees must observe strict biosecurity measures when travelling to and attending the sessions. Vehicle wheels and undercarriages must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using an appropriate disinfectant, such as a washing soda solution. Attendees must wear clean clothing that has not been worn while handling livestock. Footwear must also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before entering the venues, in accordance with designated biosecurity procedures. All attendees are required to follow the biosecurity instructions and disinfection procedures in place at each venue.