MINSTRY OF AGRICULTURE SUSPENDS IMPORT AND IN TRANSIT MOVEMENT OF CLOVEN HOOFED ANIMALS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

11 Jan 2019

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry have suspended the import and transit of cloven-hoofed animals and their product from South Africa following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.   Acting Chief of Veterinary, Dr. Albertina Shilongo, in an official statement, announced the immediate said the disease was detected in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, in the Foot and Mouth Disease (FDM) Free Zone and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 7 of January 2019.                                    

“As a result of this development, the official OIE recognized FMD-free status of South Africa was temporarily suspended. Consequently, any exports where FMD-free zone attestation as required, can no longer be certified.”  Dr. Shilongo stated that the suspension is imposed with immediate effect and that all previously issued import and transit permits are canceled and recalled.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of animals. It is one of the most serious livestock diseases. It affects cloven-hoofed animals (those with divided hoofs), including cattle, buffalo, camels, sheep, goats, deer, and pigs. It is found in many parts of the world and it is a disease of economic importance.

While it can cause serious production losses the most significant impact of the disease occurs because of its effect on trade in livestock and livestock products.   Common clinical signs of the disease including salivation, not grazing, limping, reluctance to move, blisters and ulcers on the tongue and gums.