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Introduction: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

Taku ni mulomo / Ekondo ne laka / Omutjise wotjinyo no tjikoti / Kokondo no kona / Bek en klou siekte / Ams tsî //khora //ōs

Namibia is currently facing an emerging threat of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), following recent confirmed outbreaks in neighbouring countries, including South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. These developments heighten the risk of cross-border transmission and necessitate strengthened preventative measures to safeguard the country’s livestock sector.

In response, the Ministry has implemented a range of strategic interventions aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of the disease. These include the establishment of a veterinary cordon fence along the Namibia–South Africa border, as well as the demarcation of designated zones within the FMD Free Zone to enhance disease control and containment.

Efforts are further being intensified to strengthen surveillance systems, enforce compliance with animal health regulations, and improve biosecurity practices at both farm and national levels. In addition, targeted initiatives are underway to build the capacity of veterinary personnel and farmers to ensure a high level of preparedness and rapid response capability.

Why FMD matters: Foot-and-Mouth Disease poses a significant risk to Namibia’s livestock industry and the broader national economy. The country’s continued status as FMD-free without vaccination is a critical asset, enabling access to high-value international markets. It is therefore imperative to maintain strict precautionary measures to prevent any incursion of the disease, particularly in light of increased regional outbreaks.

What is FMD?

A highly contagious acute viral infection, almost exclusively affecting domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Buffalo and other cloven-hoofed wildlife can also be affected.

Important: FMD cannot be transmitted to humans and does not pose a public health risk.

Prevention and Control

Implement biosecurity measures on the farm or establishment, control animal movement, isolate suspected or infected animals and contact the nearest State Veterinary Office.

What Causes FMD?

The disease is caused by a virus with the following types: A, O, C, Asia 1, SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3.

Distribution: SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3, as well as type O, have been reported in the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia. All domestic cloven-hoofed animals are susceptible.

Signs and Symptoms

FMD should be suspected when a combination of the following two to three clinical signs are observed:

Lameness in a number of animals.
Vesicles or lesions in the mouth, including on the tongue, gums, cheeks and lips.
Excessive salivation (drooling), smacking of the lips and grinding of teeth.
Failure to secrete milk in sheep and goats during lactation, which may result in the death of young stock.
Pigs may frequently lie down in a "dog-sitting" posture. Pigs are highly susceptible and may show clinical signs before cattle, sheep and goats.

Signs in Dead Animals

Contact your State Veterinarian to check for the following signs that may indicate suspected FMD:

Vesicles or blisters on the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, nostrils, muzzle, coronary bands, teats or udder.
Erosions on the rumen pillars.
Necrosis of the myocardium in young animals of all species ("tiger heart").

Transmission, Spread and Risk Factors

FMD can spread through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, as well as through contact with contaminated hands, footwear, clothing, vehicles and other contaminated materials.