The Namibia Economist

Foot and Mouth restrictions lifted

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has announced the lifting of restrictions in the movement of livestock following the successful containment of the Foot and Mouth outbreak that was detected at Masikili village in the Caprivi Region in November last year.
The lifting of the restrictions is with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said livestock from the affected areas may now move out of the restricted areas accompanied by an official animal movement permit issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services for sale, slaughter or exchange.
Since the detection of the outbreak, areas within a 40 kilometre radius from Masikili village were designated as a protection zone. Movement of livestock and other potentially infectious materials out of the affected areas was stopped
The entire cattle population in the region was protected by vaccination against Foot and Mouth disease, and was under constant and intensive surveillance to detect any further outbreaks.
Awareness campaigns for farmers and the general public in the affected areas and in the rest of the Caprivi Region were implemented.
“All indications are that the outbreak of FMD in the previously affected areas has been successfully contained and hence the decision to lift the restrictions that were imposed in the protection zone with immediate effect,” the statement said.

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