Namibia has detected foot-and-mouth disease in its internationally recognised disease-free zone and has suspended the movement, import and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their products nationwide, The Cattle Site reports, citing Reuters.

Acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita told parliament the disease was found during routine surveillance on a commercial farm in the southern Kharas Region. Ten of 11 samples taken on 22 September from cattle showing symptoms tested positive the next day, confirming an active outbreak.

Kharas borders South Africa, which is fighting its worst foot-and-mouth outbreak in years and plans to vaccinate 80% of its national cattle herd of about 14 million animals.

Foot-and-mouth is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects cattle, causing painful blisters in the mouth and on the hooves. It is not often fatal in adult cattle but cuts productivity; the restrictions also cover pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Mubita said the halt on movements, imports and exports, which applies until further notice, would have serious economic consequences. The report is by Melanie Epp.

Source: The Cattle Site