The Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Kenneth Shoombe, has highlighted that with the speed of vaccination and adherence to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, there is a possibility to open up before the festive season. 

"We will find a way. How can we then start opening up and ensure that Namibians continue or will start then celebrating the festive season with a blind piece of meat?"

Dr. Shoombe further stated that the first round of vaccination is done, and they are waiting for the 28-day period to pass before starting the second phase.

He said this will allow animals to develop antibodies that will reduce the rate of the infection and reduce shedding of the disease among the susceptible animals.

"That will bring us confidence to ensure that our surveillance picks up negative cases across and that will bring the relaxation of movement of products and animals from one point to another."