With Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) remaining a serious threat to Namibia's livestock and wildlife sectors, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has issued biosecurity guidelines specifically aimed at hunting and game farms.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) said that the hunting and gaming sector is particularly vulnerable given the constant movement of people, vehicles and animals.
It said that the movement of hunters, tourists, workers, vehicles and animals on hunting and game farms significantly increases the risk of disease transmission.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting all cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, warthog and several antelope species such as kudu, springbok, impala and eland.
An outbreak on a game farm could cripple hunting operations, disrupt tourism activities and threaten Namibia’s international reputation as a leading wildlife destination.
Under the new recommendations, all visitors should be restricted to essential personnel only, while hunting clients must receive clear biosecurity instructions before arriving on farms.
Farm workers have also been instructed to use dedicated footwear and clothing, to disinfect boots after visiting other properties, and to observe quarantine measures if they have been exposed to infected areas or animals.
“Every movement onto a farm carries a potential risk,” the NAU said, emphasising that vehicles entering game farms should be carefully managed.
Tyres and undercarriages of vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected before entering sensitive areas, while livestock transport trucks are required to provide proof of disinfection before gaining access.
The guidelines further advised hunting and game farmers to maintain adequate stocks of disinfectants, including sodium hypochlorite, Virkon S, citric acid, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide, and to ensure workers are trained in their proper use.
In addition to movement control, farmers have been encouraged to strengthen fencing to prevent contact between wildlife, neighbouring livestock and stray animals.
The NAU said feed should only be sourced from reputable suppliers, while water points must remain clean and protected from contamination.
Furthermore, shared water sources between neighbouring farms should be avoided wherever possible.
The guidelines also stressed the importance of quarantining newly introduced animals for at least 30 days and monitoring them daily for any signs of infection.
Symptoms of FMD include fever, excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth and on the hooves, lameness and reduced production.
Early detection and reporting remain critical in limiting the spread of the disease, said the NAU.
Game and hunting farms have further been encouraged to keep detailed records of visitor movements, previous destinations, animal purchases, transfers between camps and vehicle activity on the property to assist veterinary teams with tracing should an outbreak occur.
The NAU said that all farmers and hunting operators should report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest State Veterinary Office.
“Rapid reporting protects not only individual farms, but Namibia’s wider livestock, wildlife and tourism economy,” it said.
