LLPBN launches awareness campaign on foot-and-mouth disease

Date: November 16, 2025 Staff Reporter THE Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPBN) has developed new educational materials to support the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) in raising awareness about foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The initiative includes a practical protocol for handling suspected cases, aimed at helping farmers and livestock handlers respond swiftly and correctly to potential outbreaks. According to the LLPBN, early detection and containment are critical in preventing the spread of FMD, one of the most serious livestock diseases affecting cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. Farmers, producers and all livestock stakeholders are urged to familiarise themselves with the information and to share it within their networks to strengthen national disease surveillance efforts. Symptoms of FMD in cattle, goats and sheep include: Lameness in several animals within a herd Blisters or sores on the tongue, gums or lips Excessive salivation Lip smacking or teeth grinding Blisters or sores between the hooves Mild or unnoticed symptoms in goats and sheep In pigs, symptoms may appear earlier and more severely, including all the signs mentioned above as well as blisters or sores on the snout. FMD is suspected when two or more of these symptoms are observed in multiple animals within a herd. The LLPBN has also outlined the following protocol for handling suspected cases: Immediately isolate the affected herd, if possible. Do not move any animals out of the herd, even if they appear healthy. Avoid rounding up livestock; instead, observe them calmly for signs such as lameness or salivation. Inspect all camps and herds to determine the extent of the suspected outbreak. Ensure no water troughs or sources are shared with unaffected herds. Prevent nose-to-nose contact between affected and unaffected animals. Notify your local State Veterinarian and Farmers’ Union representative immediately. Stop all animal movement to and from the affected establishment. Avoid human contact with the affected animals; if contact occurs, disinfect hands, clothing and footwear before handling other animals. Do not spread unverified information — only the Chief Veterinary Officer may communicate with other producers. Cooperate fully with the State Veterinarian. Inform the Farmers’ Union representative of the inspection outcome, who will then relay information to the Chief Veterinary Officer. Farmers are advised to strictly follow all instructions issued by State Veterinarians and the Chief Veterinary Officer. Emergency animal health contact numbers for all regionsKARASBURG DR DEKLERK – 081 143 2911 DR NAMBINGA – 081 141 5806 MARIENTAL DR KANUTUS – 081 142 7326 DR IIYAMBO – 063 242 171/2 KEETMANSHOOP DR LOUWRENS – 081 143 4562 DR GROBLER – 081 161 0818 GOBABIS DRGOMXOB – 081 142 3824 DR JUNIAS – 081 146 3418 OTJINENE DR KAPIMBUA – 081 141 5850 EPUKIRO DR VEII – 081 145 8421 WINDHOEK DR MURANGI – 081 145 7041 DR ALUGONGO – 081 145 8422 OMARURU DR OOSTHUVZEN – 081 162 2111 DR KAZARAKO – 081 129 1034 WALVISBAY DR HAWANGA – 081 129 1034 OKAHANOJA DR NDINOSHIHO – 081 141 9716 OKAKARARA DR PAULUS – 081 165 3530 OTJIWARONGO DR UUSIKU – 081 146 0856 GROOTFONTEIN DR LUKAS – 081 143 1159 OTAVI DR DAVID – 081 148 9184 OUTJO DR SIMASIKU – 081 165 0109 KAMANJAB DR KATUMBE – 081 143 1148