Namibia battles cattle disease outbreak as EU suspends several meat imports
Summary
Namibia is facing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, a contagious illness affecting cattle. The outbreak has caused meat shortages and import suspensions by the European Union, leading to higher prices and market disruptions in the country.Key Facts
- The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak began on a commercial farm in southern Namibia on September 23, 2026.
- By early October, around 129 animals tested positive across 17 farms in two regions.
- Government teams have set up roadblocks, surveillance, and movement restrictions to control the disease.
- The European Union has suspended several meat imports from Namibia due to the outbreak.
- Meat vendors and consumers in Windhoek report higher prices and limited meat availability.
- Emergency vaccination and stricter controls on animal movement are underway to stop the spread.
- Some meat sales at export-approved slaughterhouses continue under strict regulations.
- Livestock exports are crucial to Namibia’s economy, so the outbreak poses significant economic risks.
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