The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has carried out a regional awareness campaign on the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at Khorixas in the Kunene Region.

Although no FMD cases have been recorded in Namibia to date, the awareness campaign sought to enhance farmers' understanding of this highly contagious animal disease.

During the sessions, veterinary officials educated community members on FMD symptoms.

The state veterinarian of the Kamanjab Veterinary District, Dr Martin Katumbe, explains.

“If an animal is limping and producing saliva, a thorough examination can reveal the presence of ulcers, particularly in the mouth, which can be quite painful. As a result, the animal may refuse to eat, leading to a loss of appetite. It may also struggle to move around to drink water, and for those animals that are lactating, there will likely be a decrease in milk production.”

Officials also stress the importance of adhering to livestock movement regulations, as the movement of infected animals remains one of the major ways the disease spreads from one area to another.

Farmers are further encouraged to avoid mixing their livestock with animals of unknown health status and to follow all veterinary guidance aimed at protecting animal health.

Chief Veterinarian Dr Magrecia Hausiku clarifies the process.

“So there is provision for us to compensate you at the fair market value of the animal at the time of contraction, because remember we are destroying this animal for the purpose of controlling the disease; we don't want it to spread.”

Awareness creation remains a critical tool in preventing outbreaks, Dr Hausiku adds, especially in livestock-dependent communities where farming plays a central role in supporting livelihoods and local economies.