Zimbabwe Stops Importation of South African Livestock

• Zimbabwe Stops Importation of South African Livestock

Following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the Northern part of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean government has suspended the importation of livestock and meat from South Africa.

In a statement released on Friday, the country’s ministry of agriculture said the latest outbreak had been identified at a farm in Limpopo province in South Africa.

“The suspension of imports from South Africa is a precautionary measure designed to prevent the spread of the infection into Zimbabwe,” the ministry said.

“Importation of live cattle, goats, sheep and pigs and related products had been suspended as authorities seek to identify the virus strain and extent of the outbreak.”

While the ministry noted that foot and mouth disease does not affect humans, it, however, said it poses a threat to the nation’s cattle, goats and sheep.

The country imports its livestock from South Africa both for breeding as well as meat products.

Earlier this year, Botswana and the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly Swaziland and Zimbabwe suspended meat imports from South Africa after a highly contagious foot and mouth disease breakout.