The Directorate of Veterinary Services will hold meetings with farmers and other stakeholders in the ||Kharas region from Thursday to discuss the proposed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) containment zone and compulsory livestock vaccination.
Chief veterinary officer Kenneth Shoombe said on Tuesday the meetings will take place from 22 to 24 October at Keetmanshoop, Aroab and at the Verre Suide Farmers Association Hall.
Shoombe said the meetings will focus on livestock movement restrictions, disease prevention measures and plans to restore livestock trading and access to markets affected by the outbreak.
He said the meetings are aimed at updating farmers on the outbreak and explaining the measures being taken to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Shoombe said controlling FMD requires cooperation from farmers, livestock traders, abattoir operators and other stakeholders.
The first meeting will take place at the regional council hall at Keetmanshoop from 09h00 to 13h00.
A second meeting for farmers will be held at Schuetzenhaus at Keetmanshoop on the same day from 14h00 to 18h00.
On Friday, farmers will meet at the Aroab Farmers Association Hall from 09h00 to 13h00.
The final meeting will take place on Saturday at the Verre Suide Farmers Association Hall from 09h00 to 13h00.
Shoombe urged farmers’ unions, traditional authorities, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, food businesses and livestock operators to attend the meetings.
He said all participants must follow strict safety measures to avoid spreading FMD while travelling to and attending the meetings.
These include cleaning and disinfecting vehicle wheels and underneath vehicles before attending.
He said farmers must wear clean clothes that have not been used while handling livestock.
Shoombe said footwear must be cleaned and disinfected before entering meeting venues.
“Collective action is essential to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission, safeguard animal health and support the recovery of the livestock sector,” he said.
The meetings come as Namibia continues efforts to contain the FMD outbreak confirmed in the Karasburg State Veterinary District last month.
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