Argentine poultry, Botswana livestock imports restricted

Veterinary alerts halt animal imports
Authorities have imposed restrictions on livestock and poultry imports following confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza in neighbouring regions.
Jacques du Toit
  • 12 Hours Ago

Namibia has introduced new veterinary import restrictions following disease outbreaks reported in other countries. The measures were announced by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and are aimed at protecting the country’s livestock sector from the introduction of serious animal diseases.

Restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals from Botswana

In Veterinary Public Notification No. 03 of 2026, dated 10 March 2026, authorities confirmed an immediate restriction on the importation and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from Botswana.

The decision follows confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Botswana, as reported through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS).

According to the notification, the restriction applies to animals and animal products, including those intended for personal or household consumption, originating from several zones in Botswana.

The measure is intended to mitigate the risk of introducing the FMD virus into Namibia, particularly into the country’s disease-free commercial farming areas.

Movement of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from other designated zones in Botswana may still be permitted, but only under strict conditions and with a valid veterinary import permit. Veterinary authorities emphasise that these controls form part of Namibia’s broader biosecurity strategy to safeguard the livestock industry and maintain the country’s favourable animal health status.



Poultry imports from Argentina suspended

In Veterinary Public Notification No. 02 of 2026, issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Namibia has also suspended the importation and transit of live poultry, birds and poultry products originating from the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina.

This follows a reported outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in that region. All previously issued import permits for poultry and poultry products from the affected province have been cancelled with immediate effect. However, poultry that was already packaged, frozen and sealed before 5 February 2026 may still enter or transit Namibia.

Authorities announced that processed poultry products and by-products that meet the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health may still be imported or transported through Namibia, provided they are accompanied by a valid veterinary import permit.

The DVS says the measures are precautionary and form part of ongoing efforts to protect Namibia’s livestock sector from the economic and animal health consequences of transboundary diseases.

Importers and stakeholders requiring clarification on the new measures have been advised to contact the veterinary import control office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. Authorities continue to monitor the international animal disease situation closely and will update import requirements as necessary to ensure Namibia’s biosecurity remains intact.