Zim lifts ban on livestock imports
August 15 2011 at 12:04pm
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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, Zimbabwe’s Herald Online reported on
Monday.
The ban was effected in March this year, following a foot-and-mouth 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 foot-and-mouth disease.
“The department of livestock and veterinary services will provide conditions
under which the animals can be imported.
“The animals should, however, be kept under quarantine in South Africa prior
to export and the same procedure will also be done in Zimbabwe,” he said.
South Africa announced the foot-and-mouth 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.
Foot-and-mouth Disease is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease
that affects cloven hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovids. –
Sapa