When planning a visit to the renowned Etosha National Park, it’s crucial for visitors to be aware of the stringent veterinary regulations in place. These regulations, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry, Directorate of Veterinary Services, are essential for maintaining the park’s delicate ecosystem and preventing the spread of diseases. This guide provides detailed information about the regulations at the Anderson Gate, Von Lindequist Gate, and Galton Gate, which are vital entry and exit points of the park.

Key Veterinary Control Points

Etosha National Park, a gem in Namibia’s wildlife conservation efforts, has established three primary veterinary control gates:

1. Anderson Gate
2. Von Lindequist Gate
3. Galton Gate

These gates serve as checkpoints to enforce the regulations that safeguard both the park’s wildlife and the broader agricultural community in Namibia.

Restricted Animal and Product Movement (Southwards through the Veterinary Cordon Fence)

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited from moving southwards through the Veterinary Cordon Fence:

• All Cloven-Hoofed Animals: These animals are not allowed to pass through due to the risk of transmitting foot-and-mouth disease and other contagious ailments.

  • Exceptions: Sheep and goats that have been quarantined and are transported in a sealed vehicle. These must be accompanied by a valid red cross permit.

• Raw Meat of Cloven-Hoofed Animals: The movement of raw meat from such animals poses a significant risk of disease transmission.

  • Exceptions: Raw meat transported in sealed containers from officially approved abattoirs, with each consignment accompanied by a valid veterinary permit.

• Raw/Fresh Milk: Due to the high risk of bacterial and viral contamination, raw or fresh milk is not permitted to cross the fence.

Permitted Items with Veterinary Permit

Certain items may cross the Cordon Fence southwards, but only with a valid veterinary permit:

• Quarantined Sheep and Goats: These animals, when transported in a sealed vehicle and accompanied by a red cross permit, are allowed.
• Raw Meat from Approved Abattoirs: This includes meat that is properly sealed and certified by veterinary authorities.
• Animal Products: This category includes hair, bristle, wool, horns, bone, semen, blood, manure, and skin.
• Agricultural Products: Grass, hay, straw, Lucerne, and other similar items are allowed with proper certification.
• Non-Cloven Hoofed Wild Animals: This includes animals like zebra, rhinoceros, elephant, wild carnivores, etc.
• Processed Animal Products: Bone meal, carcass meal, blood meal, hides, and skins that have undergone official quarantine are permissible.

Permitted Items without Veterinary Permit

Certain items are exempt from the requirement of a veterinary permit when crossing the Cordon Fence:

• Domestic Animals: Dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and mules.
• Poultry and Birds: This includes live birds, their feathers, eggs, and raw meat, except in cases of avian disease restrictions.
• Aquatic and Other Animals: Fish, reptiles, frogs, and worms.
• Crafts and Agricultural Produce: Wood carvings, crafts, tobacco, buchu leaves, vegetables, fruits, and certain plant products, provided they are free from manure/blood.
• Dairy and Cooked Food Products: Curds, whey, butter, cheese, and cooked travel rations, with specific conditions regarding preparation and packaging.

Important Advisory

Visitors should note that these regulations are subject to change without prior notice, contingent on the area’s disease status or amendments to the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. It’s advisable to stay informed about the latest guidelines to ensure compliance and support the park’s conservation efforts.

For further inquiries or clarification, visitors can contact the Directorate of Veterinary Affairs. By adhering to these regulations, visitors play a crucial role in protecting the diverse and unique ecosystem of Etosha National Park, ensuring its preservation for future generations.