http://allafrica.com/stories/201202070927.html


Namibia: Buffalo Sparks FMD Fears
By Mathias Haufiku, 7 February 2012

Windhoek — The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) is waiting for laboratory results to confirm the Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) status of a buffalo that was killed over the weekend at Otjituuo, south of the veterinary red line.

The beast was gunned down by a team of veterinary, wildlife and police officials after it was found roaming in the Otjituuo Communal Area.

According the Ministry, the buffalo might be part of the FMD-free buffalo's in the Waterberg Plateau Park.

"Samples have been taken from the animal and will be analysed over the next few days to confirm the animal's FMD status as well as its origin," stated the ministry.

In order to protect the meat industry and the interests of importing countries, people in the following areas: Okakarara, Okondjatu, Otjituuo, Okamatapati, Gam, Epukiro, Otjinene, Otjombinde, Eiseb and those close two commercial farms bordering the restricted areas in Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Okahandja and Gobabis veterinary districts may not move their cloven animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, game and pigs.

The MAWF has restricted these areas with immediate effect for a minimum of 21 days.

All farms that have received animals from the restricted areas in the past 21 days are also requested to comply with the restriction measures.

The Ministry suspended all gathering activities such as auctions and shows in the restricted areas for a minimum of 21 days.

To ensure that the public comply with the above measures, MAWF confirmed that roadblocks will be set up at strategic points while intensified surveillance activities by veterinary officials will also be conducted.

Farmers and members of the public have been requested to report any stray buffaloes to the nearest veterinary office, police or the nature conservation officials.

Interesting. The article implies that the buff on Watererg are considered FMD free by MAWF. When I was there in 2006 this was not the case. The wildlife dept thought they were, but MAWF disagreed. I just about got a free buff hunt out of the dispute.

Dean