PRESS RELEASE: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND FORESTRY
21 September 2011
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry is fully aware of the negative social and economic impacts of the animal movement and marketing restrictions in parts of Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions. Namibia does not permit wild African buffalo to roam freely in the Foot and Mouth Disease free zone. All buffalo sightings must be immediately reported to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Directorate of Parks and Wild Life Management in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
The precautionary measures in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions were taken to rule out the possibility that the two buffaloes which were sighted and subsequently destroyed in the area had transmitted foot and mouth disease to livestock in the area.
The scheduled inspections and tests in the current restricted areas have now been completed and so far no evidence of disease has been found. However, the Directorate of Veterinary Services is still making follow up investigations on new developments in the Otjozondjupa region which have necessitated delaying a decision on the lifting of the current restrictions. The restrictions will thus remain in place until further notice. A press statement outlining the way forward will be made on Friday.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry would like to thank members of the affected farming community for their cooperation and is appealing for patience whilst we try to find a lasting solution that will not negatively affect the livestock industry.
Ms Anna Shiweda
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
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