Zimbabwe has suspended all imports of live cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa with immediate effect, following a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Gauteng Province.
The decision was announced in a public advisory issued by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
It comes after South Africa’s Veterinary Services confirmed an FMD outbreak in Mogale City District on 30 April. The statement reads:
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development wishes to advise the public and all stakeholders that all imports of live cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa, have been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
Livestock importers, transporters, border officials, and the general public have been urged to fully comply with the directive to help prevent the spread of the disease into Zimbabwe. The Ministry said:
The repercussions of FMD outbreaks are far-reaching, negatively affecting trade, the national economy, and the livelihoods of individual livestock owners.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services said it will continue monitoring the situation in South Africa and will provide timely updates.
The suspension remains in place but may be reviewed depending on progress in containing the outbreak.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
It spreads quickly through direct contact, contaminated feed and equipment, and can even be transmitted through the air over short distances.
More: Chronicle
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