Namibia: Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Namibia 2026

On September 23, 2026, Namibia confirmed a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Karasburg (Kharas Region) - previously an FMD-free zone - with 10 of 11 samples positive and 63 cattle affected. The outbreak, south of the veterinary cordon fence, threatens naïve local herds and comes as neighboring South Africa also fights FMD. Namibia imposed a nationwide livestock trade/slaughter ban, and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) revoked its FMD-free status for the southern zone, halting exports to China, South Africa, and the United States. The livestock sector (about 3.1% of GDP, N$8.8B/year) faces up to 12,000 lost job-years in 2026-27, though confirmed containment to Kharas allowed a partial lift of restrictions north of the cordon fence, while the southern zone stays locked down and international bans continue. Pork remains an exception - slaughter and trade stay suspended nationwide, causing shortages and price spikes.