Mauritius proves trust in Namibia as livestock partner

Livestock exported to Mauritius on 22 March is a sign of trust in Namibia’s veterinary services, as well as its disease control measures, according to Dr Anja Boshoff-De Witt, Executive for Quality Assurance at the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN).

The export further highlights the importance of protecting the country’s “FMD-free without vaccination” status.

The historic shipment saw 3 000 head of cattle loaded onto the livestock carrier Gelray Express at the Port of Walvis Bay, destined for slaughter in Mauritius. The cattle, assembled in the Otjiwarongo district and transported by livestock traders, were driven directly from trucks onto the vessel. The Namibia Ports Authority confirmed the shipment to The Namibian, describing it as a private commercial transaction.

Mauritius cancels SA imports

The export follows Mauritius' cancellation of all new import permits from South Africa after a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has spread across all nine of South Africa’s provinces.

On 13 February, South African authorities classified the outbreak as a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act. In an official notice dated 6 March, the government of St Helena also banned all imports of live animals and meat products from South Africa, noting that it is not known how long the ban will remain in place.

Mauritius, as a major beef consumer driven by its middle-class population and thriving tourism industry, had long relied on South Africa for live cattle imports.

With that supply disrupted, Namibia stepped in to fill the gap.

Regulatory requirements met

The “Mauritius Export Team” confirmed that all regulatory and veterinary requirements were fully met. The team consists of various stakeholders who did not wish to be singled out. A valid import permit was issued by the Mauritian State Veterinary Services, and Namibian state veterinary authorities approved the consignment after comprehensive inspection and certification processes. The cattle were managed at a registered quarantine feedlot under continuous veterinary supervision, with daily health monitoring. Only animals confirmed to be clinically healthy and in suitable condition were selected for export.

Transport and loading procedures were carefully planned to minimise stress and ensure efficient handling. According to the Export Team, the Gelray Express provided proper ventilation, secure livestock pens, sufficient feed and fresh water for the entire journey, and stocking densities aligned with international animal welfare standards.

The Mauritius Export Team extended its appreciation to the State Veterinary Service, Namport, and the Meat Board of Namibia for their assistance during the loading process, saying their expertise ensured that all procedures were carried out smoothly and in full compliance with international standards.

The team also noted that the export supports local and resettlement farmers, strengthens Namibia’s reputation for premium, disease-free beef, and contributes to economic growth and export diversification.

“This milestone marks not only a successful export but also a significant step towards opening new markets for Namibian cattle farmers, reinforcing Namibia’s role as a trusted supplier of healthy, high-quality livestock,” the Export Team said.

“By fostering strong partnerships and maintaining rigorous standards, Namibia is well-positioned to expand its agricultural footprint and deliver lasting benefits to farmers, communities, and the national economy.”

Protecting Namibia’s status

Boshoff-De Witt says the deal speaks volumes about Namibia’s standing in international markets. “This is a sign of the trust in Namibia’s veterinary service standards, as well as the disease control measures in place, and makes Namibia a sought-after trading partner. It further highlights the importance of protecting this status.”

Namibia’s ability to step into the gap left by South Africa’s FMD crisis underscores the value of maintaining strict biosecurity protocols and veterinary traceability systems.

As bans on South African livestock products show no clear end date, Namibia’s disease-free status positions the country as an increasingly important player in regional and international livestock trade.