Concerns have been raised about the amount of beef measles cases detected during slaughter operations. Since operations began in January, there has been an average of seven animals diagnosed with measles every week.

Measles is a parasitic disease caused by Cysticerus bovis, which is a cystic form of human tapeworm. There are no visible outward signs of the disease and it is only detected after slaughter when the meat is inspected. The result is that the meat cannot be sold. Even though Namibia has a low prevalence rate, the disease cannot be taken lightly as it can damage the livestock industry.