Fresh foot and mouth outbreak reported in northern Namibia

A fresh round of foot-and-mouth disease has broken out in 11 villages in the northern region of Ohangwena about 790 kilometres from Namibia's capital Windhoek.

Ohangwena regional governor Usko Nghaamwa has confirmed the outbreak, saying the affected villages had another outbreak about four months ago.

In Jan. 2016, agriculture minister John Mutorwa declared the area and the whole of Namibia foot-and-mouth free.

Nghaamwa said he believed the disease is being brought from Angola where some Namibian cattle are being taken to for grazing.

The governor said the disease resurfaced in the past few days.

He also said a meeting was due to be held Tuesday by veterinarians and farmers to discuss the fresh outbreak.

"The aim is to act swiftly to prevent a further spread and timely inform our farmers, herders and villagers to get involved in the containment of the disease," he said.

Another meeting, he said, will be held on May 18 between veterinarians, farmers and villagers on how best they can stop grazing cattle in Angola.