The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has with immediate effect suspended all livestock import permits from South Africa following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in that country.
In a statement issued today, Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Benny Munyama says they are putting in a series of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s livestock sector.
These include the suspension of imports of all cloven-hoofed animals, livestock feed, trophies, skins, hides and hooves from South Africa.
He says the Ministry has also halted the issuance of permits for the importation and transit of live cloven-hoofed animals, while previously issued permits have been revoked.
Mr Munyama adds that Importation of cloven-hoofed animal products such as dairy will only be considered under strict mitigation measures in line with international animal health guidelines.
Authorities say the measures will be reviewed depending on how the outbreak progresses in South Africa.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
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