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Zambia has partially lifted the suspension on the importation of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa following improvements in that country’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease situation, authorities have announced.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Charles Maseka, said the decision was informed by the latest veterinary risk assessment conducted by the department.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Maseka said the easing of restrictions would apply only to selected products, and would be done on a case-by-case basis and that all imports would remain subject to strict conditions and prior veterinary approval.
He said the eligible products included cloven-hoofed animals, processed dairy products, and heat-treated meat products packed in hermetically sealed containers.
“Based on the latest veterinary risk assessment, the importation of selected products will now be permitted on a case-by-case basis, subject to strict import conditions and veterinary approval,” Maseka said.
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He listed the specific products as cloven-hoofed animals that meet stipulated import guidelines and veterinary requirements, Ultra-High Temperature milk and its derivatives, and tinned meat.
“Every application for the importation of the above products will undergo a thorough veterinary risk assessment before an import permit is issued,” Maseka stated.
He further advised importers, livestock producers, traders, and other stakeholders to seek guidance from the Department of Veterinary Services before placing any orders to ensure compliance with Zambia’s import requirements.
Maseka thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding during the period the restrictions were in force, and urged continued adherence to animal health and biosecurity regulations.
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