Farmers in the Otjozondjupa Region have committed to working with the government to protect their livestock from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The region has the largest livestock population in the country and is home to more than 800,000 cattle, goats and sheep, most of which are kept on commercial farms.

Chairperson of the Okakarara Farmers Association, Elia Kandji, said farmers would continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and other stakeholders to help contain the outbreak.

“We would like to continue collaborating with the ministry, the DVS and other stakeholders to ensure that the period of these restrictions is as short as possible. Livestock marketing, commercial activities and social activities, including our traditional and cultural activities, are all closely linked to livestock. If we do not adhere to the restrictions, we may end up prolonging the process,” Kandji said.

He also welcomed collaboration between farmers and the ministry on disease control and tracing initiatives.

“Let us continue engaging and collaborating with the ministry and the DVS to ensure that FMD is controlled, monitored and traced. Sooner or later, this will allow the ministry to lift the remaining restrictions and restore normality to our traditional, commercial and agricultural activities,” Kandji said.

The association’s statement follows concerns after four cattle were traced from the ||Kharas to the Otjozondjupa Region.

However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed that all four cattle, as well as the 26 animals that had come into contact with them, tested negative for FMD.