The foot-and-mouth disease restrictions on livestock movement continue to disrupt meat supplies, leaving some butcheries temporarily closed, while others struggle to keep their shelves stocked.

Namibia's livestock industry could lose an estimated N$1,6 billion in revenue in the final quarter of 2026, if the current Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions continue.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has called on farmers and livestock owners to refrain from unauthorised vaccinations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says it could soon ease FMD restrictions to address meat-related commodity shortages.

Restrictions on animal movement have affected abattoirs, auction markets, traders in livestock products, transport and logistics, and live exports.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has commended private experts for their efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

However, appointment letters were returned for clarification on the terms of voluntary service, duration, and liability before approval.

Up to 393 workers of Beefcor Meat Suppliers could be affected by proposed retrenchments following the suspension of beef exports, livestock movement, and slaughtering owing to the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government will continue assessing the impacts caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and is engaging relevant stakeholders to prevent the outbreak from causing prolonged financial distress.

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.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services has confirmed 79 new cases of FMD across 11 farms in the Karasburg State Veterinary District.

Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani provided an update.

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.