The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has urged regional vigilance and complete cooperation in response to the ongoing devastation caused by the highly virulent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the SADC region.

A commodity analyst responsible for livestock at NAU, Rina Hough, made this clarion call at a recent workshop organised by the Trans-Kalahari Corridor Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.

Hough said the ever-spreading threat of FMD is a looming reality that could cripple Namibia's economy, although no cases have been recorded in the country as yet.

Hough emphasised the reality of the FMD threat in the region, urging against complacency and advocating for a strong partnership.

"This is why collaboration is critical, and we fully support the objectives of this joint awareness campaign, which aims to provide an understanding, strengthen compliance and promote shared responsibility among everyone."

Hough said her organisation has taken some steps aimed at working hand in glove with the rest of the farming community in curbing the spread of the highly contagious disease.

"So, as the NAU, we have taken steps to initiate support, preparedness and response through what we call the FMD Support Fund. This initiative is a multi-stakeholder effort from the private sector designed to provide rapid support, both financially and through coordination with our competent authority and government. So, it links farmers, the private sector and government to work hand in hand. Preventing FMD is not just a responsibility of a government, but is definitely a shared effort across all countries and communities."

Early last month, Namibia banned the import and transit of cloven-hoofed animals from Botswana due to confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the neighbouring country.