Zimbabwe suspends animal imports from South Africa after FMD outbreak

Zimbabwe has suspended all imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa due to an ongoing foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Gauteng Province. The decision was announced to the public by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Livestock importers, transporters, and border officials have been urged to fully comply with the suspension to prevent the spread of the disease into Zimbabwe. The measure will remain in place until the situation in South Africa improves. In this sense, the Directorate of Veterinary Services said it would continue monitoring the outbreak in the neighbouring country, providing constant updates for an eventual review.