FMD restrictions put pressure on game meat storage

The current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation could leave many game farmers and hunting operators with full cold rooms and limited opportunities to sell game meat to butcheries, according to the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA).

NAPHA has urged its members to make practical use of available game meat, reduce waste and plan while complying with veterinary movement restrictions.

The association said good cuts such as sirloins and fillets could be vacuum-packed and frozen for future use or for hunting clients, while less desirable cuts could be turned into mince, which takes up less freezer space.

Members have also been cautioned to understand the difference between coolers and freezers and to avoid overloading freezers. Large quantities of meat placed in a freezer at once may freeze on the outside while remaining insufficiently chilled in the centre, potentially leading to spoilage.

NAPHA said meat should be properly cooled, packed and labelled before freezing.

However, the association stressed that freezing preserves meat but does not reliably destroy the FMD virus. Frozen meat therefore remains subject to applicable veterinary movement restrictions.

With cold storage capacity potentially limited, NAPHA also suggested alternative preservation methods, including biltong, dry sausage, smoked or cured meat, sausages, canned meat, stock and stews.

It warned, however, that salting, drying, smoking and cooking do not automatically eliminate FMD. Specific requirements must be met before such treatments can be considered effective methods of inactivating the virus.

Vacuum packing not enough

NAPHA issued a particular warning about vacuum-packed meat, saying vacuum packing alone does not make meat suitable for storage at room temperature. Improperly processed and stored vacuum-packed meat can pose a serious botulism risk, while meat intended for room-temperature storage requires a suitable, validated preservation process.

The association also encouraged members to explore ready-made meals and other processed products as ways of using available meat while reducing pressure on freezers.

Products such as pies, stews, spaghetti bolognese, cooked sausages and other prepared meals could help use larger quantities of game meat while providing consumers with affordable and nutritious food.

Where processing meets the required FMD inactivation standards and is approved by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, such products could potentially be transported to towns and sold through appropriate outlets.

NAPHA further encouraged lodges to make greater use of game meat in their menus, including mince, sausages, stews, meatballs, pies and other dishes.

The association said the situation could also provide an opportunity to stock meat for periods when hunting activity is limited or fewer hunters are visiting establishments. Less desirable cuts could be processed into meals or staff rations, while suitable products could be preserved for future use.

Where permitted, members could also consider donating meat to schools or community initiatives, provided all donations and distribution comply with veterinary movement restrictions.

Responsible hunting

NAPHA stressed that responsible hunting remains important. Before harvesting an animal, members should consider whether they have enough storage capacity or an appropriate means of processing and preserving the meat.

Where meat cannot safely be stored, processed or used, hunters should reconsider whether the animal needs to be harvested at that stage.

The association also highlighted the distinction between preserving meat for consumption and processing it in a way that effectively inactivates FMD. It said the World Organisation for Animal Health recognises specific treatments, including thorough cooking and drying after salting, provided prescribed requirements are met.

Members were urged to follow all instructions issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and not to falsely declare meat from cloven-hoofed animals as coming from non-cloven-hoofed animals to circumvent restrictions.

NAPHA said its members have a responsibility to help contain FMD, protect Namibia's agricultural and wildlife industries and avoid unnecessary shortages or price increases.

The association said the situation required cooperation, responsible use of resources and support for staff, local communities and fellow Namibians.