Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services has confirmed an outbreak of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), commonly known as lung sickness, in Okapundja Village, Opuwo Urban Constituency of Kunene Region, an official said on Tuesday.
Johannes Shoopala, acting chief veterinary officer, said in a statement that the outbreak was identified on July 1 among a herd of 30 cattle, resulting in eight positive cases and one death.
CBPP is a highly contagious disease affecting cattle and water buffalo, characterized by symptoms such as fever, labored or rapid breathing, coughing, and nasal discharge, with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent.
According to Shoopala, the directorate has taken measures to control the outbreak, including movement restrictions and a ban on transporting lung tissues. Cattle gatherings have also been suspended.
Shoopala added that active surveillance activities are underway to assess the disease’s extent. Farmers are urged to cooperate by presenting their livestock for inspection.
Additionally, roadblocks will be set up to enforce compliance, with mandatory CBPP vaccination required for all unvaccinated cattle in the affected constituency.
Shoopala appealed to farmers and the public to cooperate fully with these measures to effectively manage the outbreak.
