Zambia Restricts Borders to South African Livestock Due to FMD Outbreak
Zambia has closed its border to all South African livestock and related products in an emergency biosecurity measure, as a devastating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak sweeps across the country, leading Pretoria to declare a national calamity.
The Zambian Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock declared an immediate halt, revoking all previously issued import permits.According to spokeswoman Benny Munyama, the ministry has banned all livestock import permits from South Africa due to the outbreak of FMD there.
The ban includes livestock food, trophies, skins, hides, and cloven-hoofed animal products like dairy—unless rigorous mitigating measures are enacted. The transit of live animals from South Africa through Zambia has also been suspended. This dramatic action comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the FMD epidemic a national disaster during his State of the Nation Address.
The outbreak has now reached all nine provinces, with the Western and Northern Capes imposing quarantine measures on affected farms. Ramaphosa admitted that this was “among the worst outbreaks” the country has ever seen, forming a task force of farmers and specialists to report on developments on a monthly basis.
Also Read:
Trusted Name in Finance and Investment Consulting: Sasa Pejic as the CEO of Pannon GroupNS
Steven Looije: Offering Real Estate Expertise for Smart Investments With HUIS Real Estate
