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The Zambian government has suspended all livestock imports from South Africa following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in that country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, through the Department of Veterinary Services, said the suspension took effect immediately and applied to all existing livestock import permits.
The measures were announced in Lusaka amid concerns that the highly contagious disease could pose a serious threat to Zambia’s livestock industry if not contained.
Director of Veterinary Services, Charles Maseka, said the government had halted the importation of all cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa, as well as livestock feeds, trophies, skins, hides and hooves.
Authorities have also suspended permits for the transit of live cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa through Zambia.
In addition, the issuance of permits for the importation of cloven-hoofed animal products, including dairy products, has been suspended unless strict mitigation measures are applied in line with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
“All previously issued permits have been revoked with immediate effect,” Maseka said.
The ministry urged farmers, traders and other stakeholders to comply fully with the new regulations, noting that the restrictions were precautionary and aimed at safeguarding the country’s animal health and food security.
The government said the measures will be reviewed depending on developments in the FMD outbreak situation in South Africa.
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