Foot and Mouth Disease and the Hunting Community

Shared Risk, shared responsibility.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) must be approached with seriousness and maturity. It is not a cause for panic, but it is certainly not something we can afford to treat casually.

The hunting community cannot assume that because we are not livestock producers, the risk does not concern us. Most of our huntable species are cloven-hoofed. Even where wildlife are not the primary drivers of infection, our operations form part of a broader agricultural landscape. What affects the neighbours livestock ultimately affects us.

Picture from the Namibia Agricultural Union's Facebook page

We must also acknowledge that we operate in an international environment. Our guests travel across borders. Some may transit through or spend time in countries where FMD is present before arriving in Namibia. Even indirect contact – through footwear, clothing or vehicles – can pose a risk if biosecurity standards are not taken seriously.

This is not about blame. It is about shared responsibility.

International markets react quickly to FMD reports. Safeguard measures are often introduced first and refined later. Even when trophies are properly treated and scientifically safe, they fall within animal health frameworks. This can mean additional certification, inspections or temporary administrative delays.

Both, hunting and life stock sector in Namibia is structured, regulated and experienced. We operate within a system of veterinary oversight, export certification and traceability. Those structures exist precisely to manage situations like this.

The risk to our hunting community is therefore largely economic and reputational, not ecological collapse.

Consider a conservative theoretical example. If private hunting farms collectively sustain thousands of jobs, and each employee supports a household, the number of people dependent on hunting revenue becomes substantial. A moderate decline in bookings due to export uncertainty would quickly affect cash flow, seasonal employment and conservancy income.

The correct position and action is therefor balanced and firm:

• We recognise the risk.

• We refuse complacency.

• We apply preventative measures consistently.

• We cooperate with veterinary authorities and neighbours.

• We communicate calmly and accurately.

Foot and mouth disease is manageable when handled with discipline. Our role is to ensure that our operations reflect the highest standards of biosecurity and professionalism.

That is how we protect Namibia, our neighbours and ourselves.

Visit the FMD Support Fund of Namibia's Website for more information on this topic.