Farmers urged to submit animal health declarations

Livestock farmers in Namibia have been reminded that animal health declarations are now due.

According to the Namibia Agricultural Union’s latest newsletter of 31 January 2025, this is an official declaration that needs to be submitted by all livestock producers every six months.

“The periods for which declarations are submitted are from January to
June and July to December of each year.

“It is compulsory that livestock producers submit the declarations, which must reach the district state veterinary office within 30 days after the end of each reporting period,” says the newsletter.

All submissions for the July to December 2024 period must be submitted by 31 January 2025, the NAU says in the newsletter.

The union says the data collected through the submission of self-declarations is used for animal disease control and tracking of animal disease trends, as well as for compulsory reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The newsletter warns that stock brands or producers who fail to submit the declarations on time will be restricted until the required documentation is submitted.

“We encourage producers to file their submissions online via the NamLITS system. Declaration forms can also be downloaded from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia website and are also available at State Veterinary offices,” the union says.

It also advised producers who hand in the forms at state veterinary offices to insist on getting proof of receipt.

“If the form is submitted by email, it must be sent to Animal.Health@mawf.gov.na and producers must ensure that receipt
is acknowledged.

“The best option, however, is to complete the form directly on the NamLITS system,” the NAU advises. – email: matthew@namibian.com.na