Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been confirmed at Kalala Island in Zambezi's Kabbe constituency, prompting an immediate suspension of livestock movement, trade and slaughter.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) said 12 samples collected from cattle showing symptoms tested positive on 7 October 2026. A total of 20 cattle displayed clinical signs during investigations on 5 October.

All movement permits for cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products in the region have been cancelled, while auctions, informal markets and other livestock-gathering events have been suspended.

Roadblocks have been established to enforce restrictions, and emergency vaccination has begun in the affected area. Slaughter at export abattoirs may continue under commodity-based trade, subject to satisfactory traceability of cattle in quarantine.

Farmers in Zambezi are urged to report suspected cases to their nearest State Veterinary Office and comply with control measures as authorities intensify surveillance to contain the outbreak.

The disease was also detected in Karasburg in the ||Kharas Region on the 23rd of September. 

According to the latest figures by the MAFWLR, 129 cattle have tested positive, and 17 farms have been confirmed to be infected to date.