Completion of Animal Health Declaration Forms by livestock producers

 Livestock producers are hereby reminded that the Directorate of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry biannually issues Animal Health Declaration Forms to registered owners of livestock in the country through veterinary offices countrywide. Declarations need to be completed biannually for the 6 months period January-June and July – December of each calendar year and have to be submitted to DVS by 30 July for the January to June period and 31 January for the July to December period, respectively. Livestock producers in communal areas need not to complete the forms as it is the responsibility of their Animal Health Technician.

During the past years, the return of completed forms has been unsatisfactory and therefore the Directorate of Veterinary Services together with the farmer unions and the Meat Board of Namibia wishes to reiterate to livestock producers that the completion and return of the Animal Health Declaration forms is compulsory and forms the basis for certification for local livestock movements and exports. Non-return of completed forms on time may therefore result in animal movement permits or export certificates being denied as veterinary officials will have no basis for certifying your livestock or livestock products for movement or marketing purposes.

Data obtained from these declarations include information on livestock numbers, animal diseases and animal disease prevention as well as compliance with legal requirements. In addition, reliable information on livestock statistics is the basis policy formulation, planning and decision support for the livestock industry. It is therefore of utmost importance, that every livestock producer timely completes and submits the Animal Health Declaration.

Producers can obtain the Animal Health Declaration forms from local DVS and extension offices. Also, forms can be obtained at the Meat Board of Namibia, NAU, NNFU, livestock auctions and MeatCo. An electronic version of the form is downloadable at the following websites:

·         Directorate of Veterinary Services :  www.mawf.gov.na

·         NamLITS:  www.namlits.com

·         Meat Board of Namibia: www.nammic.com.na

·         Namibia National Farmers Union: www.nnfu.org.na

·         Namibia Agricultural Union: www.agrinamibia.com.na/

Completed forms must be returned to your nearest veterinary office and producers must obtain an acknowledgement receipt as proof. Alternatively, completed forms can be emailed to ahd@mawf.gov.na

  For more information please contact your nearest veterinary office.You can also contact 

Dr. Susanne Thalwitzer

Coordinator FAN Meat Scheme

MEAT BOARD OF NAMIBIA

P.O. Box 38, Windhoek, Namibia

Phone +264 61 - 275 841

Fax +264 61 - 238 839

Mobile +264-81 - 228 1961

email : thalwitzer@nammic.com.na