The farmer whose name is at the centre of the spread of the Foot and Mouth Disease has released a statement denying any wrongfulness or involvement in the matter.
In a statement dated 7 October 2026, Mr A. J. Louw said that false allegations on social media have linked him personally to the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia.
He denied the claims that he smuggled animals into Namibia, illegally vaccinated animals, or was responsible for introducing FMD. He called the allegations “entirely false and without factual basis.”
Louw said that the first case of FMD was detected during routine veterinary inspection at Graswater, a farm belonging to his mother. He said they have records and supporting evidence regarding animal movements, and neither he nor anyone acting on his behalf smuggled livestock or game or administered FMD vaccines illegally.
“Since then, testing has identified positive cases on numerous farms across a wide area along the Orange River, from Warmbad towards Ariamsvlei,” Mr Louw stated.
“Veterinary specialists advised [that] the virus may have been circulating for a considerable period before the first detection, so the first farm where it was detected should not automatically be assumed to be the source.”
According to Louw two farms associated with him subsequently tested positive, as have many other farms in the region. But he noted that a positive test does not establish where the virus originated.
He said that he has cooperated fully with the Directorate of Veterinary Services and will continue to comply with testing, quarantine and disease-control measures.
“The origin and transmission of an outbreak of this scale is for qualified veterinary experts and competent authorities to determine through epidemiological investigation.
“Speculation on social media does not establish facts.
“I request people to stop circulating unverified allegations involving my name. Anyone with evidence of unlawful conduct should provide it to authorities.
“I reserve all my rights regarding continued publication or distribution of false and defamatory allegations.”
“This is a time for cooperation, responsible disease control and support for the farming community – not blame based on rumours.”
In the photo: Animals affected by the foot and mouth disease stop to eat, drool a lot, limp, lose weight, and give less milk.
