Namibian farmers sighed with relief at the announcement this week that more live animals may be exported to South Africa after the outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in southern Namibia in the Karas and Hardap regions three weeks ago.

Dr Cleopas Bamhare, acting chief veterinary officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, announced this week that live cattle, sheep and goats that had been kept outside the Hardap and Karas regions before May 10 or those that were vaccinated with a modified live vaccine 21 days prior to leaving the two affected regions, are allowed to be exported.

Animals from other regions that are transported through Hardap and Karas and were vaccinated at least 21 days ago may also be exported.

According to Bamhare, farmers will be expected to provide evidence to the export certifying state veterinarian of having vaccinated their livestock.

He added that the quantities of break-dry biltong or droewors that may be exported to South Africa have temporarily been increased to 200 kg, subject to a South African import permit and a health certificate issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services Namibia.

Pasteurised milk and meat matured above two degrees Celsius for at least a day may also be taken to South Africa.

Seventeen animals have died following the outbreak of the deadly disease on six Hardap farms and one Karas farm three weeks ago.

The disease claimed the lives of hundreds of animals and at least 20 people in South Africa. No human infections have been reported in Namibia.