Windhoek:The European Union has temporarily suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat, as well as some processed meat products from Namibia. This decision comes in response to an outbreak of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease affecting livestock.

According to Anadolu Agency, EU ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins stated in Windhoek that the suspension also affects some farmed and wild hoofed animals, along with products like biltong and jerky. The suspension aims to protect animal health while Namibia works to control the outbreak. However, processed meat that has undergone the EU's high-level treatment for reducing foot-and-mouth disease risks will still be allowed into the European market.

The outbreak was identified on a commercial farm in the Karasburg State Veterinary District in late September. Namibian authorities promptly notified the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and imposed restrictions on the movement and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their products. Consequently, WOAH suspended Namibia's FMD-free status for the affected region effective September 26.