The government has suspended the movement, marketing and trade of all cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products nationwide following the detection of Foot and Mouth Disease in Karasburg, ||Kharas Region.

The measures, which take effect immediately, also suspend imports, exports and transit of cloven-hoofed animals, while slaughtering at local and export abattoirs, informal markets and social events has been halted.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services says roadblocks will be established at strategic points, while intensive surveillance has commenced to determine the extent of the outbreak.

The disease was detected after veterinary officials observed 63 cattle showing clinical signs of FMD during routine surveillance in Karasburg.

Samples from 11 cattle were submitted to the Central Veterinary Laboratory, with 10 testing positive for the virus on 23 September.

FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

Farmers and members of the public have been urged to report suspected cases to the nearest state veterinary office immediately.

The Directorate has also warned farmers against illegally importing FMD vaccines or vaccinating animals within the FMD-free zone, saying such actions violate the law and may result in penalties.

The restrictions form part of the government's National Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan, activated after the disease was confirmed in Karasburg.