The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) has urged the country’s hunting community to treat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) with caution, discipline, and professionalism.
“FMD is not just a livestock concern,” NAPHA said. “Most of our huntable species are cloven-hoofed, and even when wildlife are not primary drivers of infection, our operations form part of a broader agricultural landscape. What affects neighbouring livestock ultimately affects us.”
NAPHA also highlighted the international dimension of the risk.
“Our guests travel across borders, some may transit through or spend time in countries where FMD is present before arriving in Namibia. Even indirect contact – through footwear, clothing, or vehicles – can pose a risk if biosecurity standards are not strictly observed,” the association said.
According to NAPHA, the focus is on shared responsibility, not blame. International markets respond quickly to FMD reports, often introducing safeguard measures that may later be refined.
“Even when trophies are properly treated and scientifically safe, they fall within animal health frameworks. This can result in additional certification, inspections, or temporary administrative delays,” the association said.
The association reassured stakeholders that both the hunting and livestock sectors in Namibia are structured, regulated, and experienced.
“We operate within systems of veterinary oversight, export certification, and traceability. These structures exist precisely to manage situations like this,” NAPHA said.
NAPHA stressed that the main risks to the hunting community are economic and reputational rather than ecological.
“Consider a conservative theoretical example: if private hunting farms collectively sustain thousands of jobs, and each employee supports a household, a moderate decline in bookings due to export uncertainty would quickly affect cash flow, seasonal employment, and conservancy income,” the association said.
The association urged a measured, proactive approach, outlining key principles for handling the disease such as recognising the risk, refusing complacency, applying preventative measures consistently, cooperating with veterinary authorities and neighbours and communicating calmly and accurately.
“FMD is manageable when handled with discipline,” NAPHA concluded. “Our role is to ensure that hunting operations reflect the highest standards of biosecurity and professionalism.”