WINDHOEK, Sept. 25 — Namibia’s beef processing and marketing entity, the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco), has suspended any beef exports due to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
The decision follows a national directive from state veterinary authorities under the agriculture ministry ordering an immediate freeze on movements and exports of cloven-hoofed animals and their raw products, to safeguard public health and regional livestock security.
Meatco, in a statement on Thursday evening, confirmed it is in full compliance with the mandated restrictions.
“Our immediate priority is full compliance with the national veterinary response and supporting the authorities in containing the outbreak as quickly as possible. Namibia has built a strong reputation for the integrity of its animal-health and beef-export systems.
Meatco will continue to act responsibly and transparently while the authorities undertake the necessary surveillance and control measures,” Deputy Chairperson of the Meatco Board Stephanie De Klerk said.
The state-owned entity is reviewing the status of beef shipments that were dispatched, shipped, or in transit before the veterinary directive was confirmed.
“At this stage, Meatco does not wish to speculate on the treatment of individual consignments or whether any product may need to be returned. These matters are governed by veterinary certification, the timing and status of individual consignments and the requirements of the respective importing countries,” the statement read.
Regarding the financial implications, the enterprise stated it is too early to assess the complete financial impact.
“The extent of any impact will depend principally on the duration of the control measures, the treatment of consignments already in transit and the time frame within which livestock procurement, slaughter and access to export markets can resume,” Meatco concluded. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
