The movement of dried meat of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and certain wild animals is now allowed into the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) free zone without a veterinary permit, provided that all portions of the meat are cooked and free of blood.

This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform as part of its new guidelines for moving animal products into Namibia's FMD-free zone.

In a press release, the Directorate of Veterinary Services advised the public to boil the meat, saying that raw meat not produced under commodity-based trade conditions is not allowed, as the FMD virus can survive in tissues like lymph nodes and bone marrow, even after freezing.

FMD is one of the diseases for which the World Organisation for Animal Health recognises disease-free zones. 

This requires strict controls, including veterinary fences, gates, and designated entry and exit points," it stressed.

Raw meat from export-approved abattoirs may enter the FMD-free zone only if it meets commodity-based trade conditions and is accompanied by a veterinary health certificate confirming compliance with the World Organisation for Animal Health Animal Health Code.

The ministry urged the public to consult their nearest state veterinary office, veterinary gate, or designated entry/exit point for detailed guidelines on what may or may not be moved into the FMD-free zone.