Animal export from Namibia

More than 9 000 animals were exported to Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia in the last four months according to Nampa. The latest statistics issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) shows that the most lucrative cross-border meat trading deal for the past few months was with Angola. A total of 6 335 cattle, 2 593 goats and 101 pigs were exported to that oil-rich nation. The MAWF’s Chief Agricultural Scientific Officer in the Directorate of Extension and Engineering Services (DEES), Erich Petrus told Nampa yesterday that mostly cross-bred heifers or cows were exported, which included Bonsmara, Brahman and Simmental. The DRC imported 230 cattle and 50 horses during the same period, while 150 cattle were exported to Zambia. Agriculture, Water and Forestry Minister John Mutorwa in May this year temporarily lifted export control measures, and opened up the exportation of an approved number of breeding animals to neighbouring markets. The decision was taken to protect the livestock industry from collapse, and also until the drought situation normalises. However, this can only be possible upon the acquisition of legal permits. The previous limitations of five animals per producer are thus temporarily suspended. The MAWF took a decision during 2010 to strictly control the exportation of breeding animals to countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Mutorwa told the National Assembly last month that his ministry has been flooded with applications for the exportation of breeding animals to other countries. The Livestock Improvement Act, (25 of 1977), as amended, prohibits any person from importing or exporting any animal, unless so authorised in writing by the Registrar of Livestock Improvement. The process of issuing livestock permits has thus also been decentralized, and the regions are issuing the permits on their own, but under the strict supervision of the Registrar and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). The Office of the Registrar conducts monthly inspections at the borders and regional offices entrusted to temporarily issue the livestock improvement permits in order to monitor and check that correct procedures are being followed.