September 12, 2022

Namibia lifts live cattle export ban to South Africa

Namibia has resumed exporting live cattle to South Africa, following the lifting of the movement restriction imposed to control the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in South Africa, Xinhua News reported.

Albertina Shilongo, chief veterinary officer of the directorate of veterinary services, said that the decision is subject to the requirement that all trucks transporting live animals register with the Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Shilongo said before returning to Namibia with or without loading additional goods, trucks must be cleaned and disinfected after unloading animals in South Africa by specialists or entities recognised by the South African Veterinary authority.

She said that clean trucks should be given a cleaning and disinfection certificate that is good for just one consignment and needs to be shown to Namibia's veterinary border officials.

The Disinfection Certificate is valid for one consignment only and must be presented to veterinary officials at the borders, she added. Vehicles must also be cleaned and disinfected before loading importers of livestock feed from South Africa.

-      Xinhua News