The strict rules launched by the Namibian authorities on the importation of animal feed from South Africa pose a severe problem for livestock producers within the southern area of the nation, in accordance with Rina Hough, commodity analyst of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU).

Producers discover it tough to import animal feed from South African markets due to the official rules geared toward combatting the unfold of foot-and-mouth (FMD) illness to Namibia.

Hough stated animal feed costs in addition to transport prices in Namibia have been exceedingly excessive, which made the importation of South African feed and fodder an excellent possibility for producers within the south.

“The northern components of Namibia additionally obtained below-normal rains to this point this summer time, and that provides further strain on the native provide of animal feed. Farmers within the south reported that grazing within the area had not totally recuperated following the 2021/22 drought that occurred within the space. For them it’s a significantly better choice to import feed from areas similar to Upington and the Western Cape at an affordable worth than to utilize regionally produced fodder,” she advised Farmer’s Weekly.

Hough stated the NAU workplace obtained many inquiries concerning the importation of animal feed from South Africa. Nonetheless, it should be stored in thoughts that South Africa’s FMD-free standing had not been reinstated by the World Organisation for Animal Well being for the reason that outbreak of the illness just a few years in the past.

Based on Hough, importing animal feed into Namibia was certainly doable, however strict necessities had been issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Providers (DVS) of Namibia.

Solely animal feed coming from locations in South Africa the place no FMD occurred and the place strict biosecurity measures have been utilized, have been allowed into Namibia. The world the place the forage was grown and harvested wanted to be free from any cloven-hoofed animal exercise.

The feed wanted to be handled both by steaming or fumigation as prescribed by the DVS.  It was additionally very important that transport automobiles have been cleaned and disinfected in accordance with official necessities.

Dr Vistorina Benhard, Namibia’s state veterinarian concerned in import/export management, stated in a press release the place to begin for any producer wishing to import animal feed from South Africa can be to contact their native DVS workplace earlier than any steps have been taken.