FMD PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is once again spreading in South Africa. Given that we are currently in both the hunting and tourism seasons, heightened control measures are necessary to protect Namibia’s FMD-free zone. Effective immediately, the following measures will be enforced at all border points:
- Disinfection of vehicles and footwear surfaces.
- Confiscation of prohibited animal products attempting to enter the FMD-free zone.
- All producers, stakeholders, and members of the public are hereby urged to exercise increased vigilance regarding the potential spreading of the FMD virus. It is critical to be able to recognize the symptoms of FMD and respond promptly if any signs are observed.
- Furthermore, visitors from South Africa, especially those who may have been in contact with livestock, are strongly advised not to come into direct contact with Namibian livestock.
- An outbreak of FMD in Namibia’s FMD-free zone would have devastating consequences for the country’s livestock industry and must be prevented at all costs.
Your cooperation is essential in safeguarding Namibia’s animal health status.
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
SYMPTOMS OF FMD IN CATTLE, GOATS & SHEEP
- Lameness in a number of animals in the herd
- Blisters or sores on the tongue, gums or lips
- Pronounced salivation and smacking of the lips or grinding of teeth
- Blisters or sores between the hooves
- These symptoms can be very mild in goats and sheep and may not even be seen or noticed
SYMPTOMS OF FMD IN PIGS
- Pigs are very susceptible to FMD and the disease can be seen in pigs even before it can be noticed in cattle, sheep or goats;
- All the above-mentioned symptoms in a severe grade plus blisters or sores on the snout.
WHEN DO I SUSPECT FMD
- Where 2 to 3 of the above-mentioned symptoms occur in a number of animals in the herd, FMD is suspected.
PROTOCOL FOR HANDLING SUSPECTED CASES
- In the case where Foot-and-Mouth-Disease is suspected, immediately isolate the herd with the affected animal or animals, if possible;
- Do not remove any animals not showing signs and move to another herd – cases may still be sub-clinical;
- Do not round up all livestock to check for other affected animals. Rather drive through or move through the livestock in a calm manner to check for any other suspected cases. Look for lameness or animals reluctant to get up or walk, salivation, lip smacking;
- Do this for all camps and herds to determine the extent of the suspected outbreak;
- No water trough or water source is to be shared between the affected herd and any other unaffected herds;
- No nose-to-nose contact between affected herds and any other susceptible animal or herd;
- Immediately notify your local: State Veterinarian & Farmer’s Union Representative
- Do not allow ANY movement of any animal from or to the affected establishment;
- No human contact with the affected livestock. If contact takes place, proper cleaning and disinfection of hands, clothes, shoes, etc., must take place before any other livestock is handled;
- DO NOT cause panic – do not inform / notify other producers. All communication is to be done by the Chief Veterinary Officer;
- Cooperate fully with the State Veterinarian;
- Inform the Farmer’s Union Representatives of the outcome of the official inspection. The representative to ONLY inform CVO and confirm cooperation.
CAREFULLY FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY THE STATE VETERINARIAN AND CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER
