The European Union has suspended the entry of certain Namibian meat products following the country’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

The restrictions, announced on Monday, affect fresh meat from cattle, sheep and goats, as well as certain processed products, including biltong.

However, meat that has undergone treatment required under EU legislation to reduce the risk of disease transmission will remain eligible for entry.

Fresh meat consignments certified by Namibia’s competent authority before 23 September may be allowed into the EU for up to 90 days, subject to EU legislation and decisions by individual member states’ border control posts.

The outbreak has also affected Namibia’s animal-health status. Namibia notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) after the outbreak was confirmed and subsequently introduced movement controls on cloven-hoofed animals and suspended exports of affected animals and their products.

The EU says the measures are in line with international standards and are comparable to restrictions imposed by Namibia and other trading partners during FMD outbreaks.

The restrictions do not affect Namibia’s preferential trade access under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, as they apply only to animal-health requirements for affected products.

EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said Namibia responded with speed and transparency following confirmation of the outbreak.