The recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak has dealt a major blow to the Keetmanshoop Agricultural Industrial and Tourism Expo (KAITE), forcing organisers to drop the livestock section at this year's Expo.

The expo is scheduled from 27 to 31 October.

KAITE's Vice President Karl-Heinz Burger revealed the Expo reported strong advance bookings for the livestock championship and auction.

Burger was confident livestock producers will understand and support the cancellation of the livestock section compelled by the FMD situation in the ||Kharas Region.

The government has eased the FMD animal movement restriction in other zones of the country.

In ||Kharas Region, which is the epicenter of the FMD outbreak, only movement and trade of processed animal products are allowed.

“This message came as a surprise to us during our planning. It is something we have to adhere to and also need to look into. However, our preparations are going ahead. The animals, as we all know, are out. It is the biggest attraction for farmers, as well as for people who want to come and buy. Normally, on Fridays, we have an auction.”

Burger compared the current FMD situation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In fact, it is the same as Covid-19. It is going to have a huge economic impact, especially on upcoming small farmers who want to learn and see breeders rubbing shoulders. It will also affect the environment and the vibe of the expo. Yes, it is very sad.”

Despite the exclusion of cloven-hoofed animals, the Expo will go ahead as planned in all other sections, including amusement rides, music bashes, business conferences and exhibitions of other products.

Burger remains hopeful the FMD situation will improve, leading to an easing of animal movement restrictions ahead of the Expo.