WINDHOEK – The Ministry of Environment and Tourism could not confirm whether the buffalo that caused the current meat ban in the Otjozondjupa Region originated from the Waterberg Plateau National Park.

“It is very difficult to determine where the buffalo came from, because to date we have not found any hole in the recently renovated fencing around the park,” the Permanent Secretary Dr Kalumbi Shangula said.

The buffalo tested negative for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) hence the suspicion that it could have escaped from the Waterberg Park, as it is in this area where FMD-free buffaloes are found in the country.

“For the time being we do not know, how or where it could have escaped from. The fence has been mended unless other bigger game such as rhino or elephant had damaged the fence,” he was of the opinion.

He said that officials are still busy investigating the fence, and it cannot be yet confirmed that the buffalo came from the park, unless they get evidence.

 “We are now contemplating to electrify parts of the fence that we feel are more vulnerable,” Shangula revealed.

The ministry is currently electrifying parts of the Etosha National Park, as well as putting up predator-proof fencing, so that animals cannot escape or damage the fence.

Areas such as Okakarara, Okondjatu, Gam, Otjituuo, Okamatapati, Otjinene, Epukiro, Otjombinde, Eiseb and commercial farms bordering the restricted areas in Otjiwarongo, Grootfontein, Okahandja and Gobabis veterinary districts, are currently banned from moving animals, until after 21 days.

The area is still under surveillance, as another track of buffalo has been spotted.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry said the ban would be lifted if animals found were free of the disease.

However, some industry sources were suggesting that it is likely that the ban would still continue, even if the second buffalo or buffaloes are FMD-free.