Finance · South Africa
Namibia Seeks More Funds to Fight Livestock Disease Outbreak
Moneyweb · 2026/02/11
Summary
Namibia is facing a serious outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among its livestock, and the country needs more funds to tackle this problem. FMD is a highly contagious virus that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals, causing severe losses for farmers. This outbreak is especially concerning because it can spread quickly and harm the livestock industry, which is a key part of Namibia's economy. At the same time, Botswana, Namibia's neighbor to the east, has also reported new cases of FMD in areas that were previously free of the disease. This spread increases the urgency for both countries to work together and get sufficient resources to control the virus and protect farmers' livelihoods. Without proper funding and measures, the disease could continue to spread, leading to more disruptions and financial losses for small and large farmers alike.
OnABudget takeaway: If you are a farmer or involved in the livestock sector, you need to be aware of the risks and prepare for possible disruptions. More funding for disease control means better protection of animals and your income. Consumers might also see impacts on meat prices if the outbreak worsens.