Namibia has detected an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) within its designated FMD-free zone in the southern Kharas Region, an official announced Wednesday, September 23.

Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Charles Mubita said the outbreak was identified on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District during routine disease surveillance by veterinary officials.

Samples were collected from 11 cattle showing clinical signs consistent with FMD, and the laboratory analysis revealed that 10 of the 11 samples tested positive, he said.

"This state confirms an active FMD outbreak in Namibia's World Organization for Animal Health-recognized FMD Free Zone," he added.

According to Mubita, the ministry has instituted immediate control measures to control and contain the outbreak swiftly.

Effective immediately, the movement of all cloven-hoofed animals and their products within the country has been suspended, alongside a complete halt on the import and export of all cloven-hoofed livestock until further notice.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed livestock like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.