Zimbabwe: ban on livestock imports from SA lifted
The department of livestock and veterinary services in Zimbabwe has lifted the ban on the importation of cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from South Africa.
The ban was made in March 2011, following a foot-and-mouth (FMD) outbreak in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Acting principal Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, William Shereni, said Zimbabweans could now import animals originating from zones or compartments declared to be free of FMD.
“The department of livestock and veterinary services will provide conditions under which the animals can be imported,” he said. “The animals should, however, be kept under quarantine in South Africa prior to export and the same procedure will also be done in Zimbabwe.”
South Africa announced the FMD outbreak earlier this year. Zimbabwe subsequently banned the importation of all hoofed animals and their fresh products and livestock feeds intended for use in cloven animals from South Africa was suspended.
