Mozambique bans all meat imports from South Africa
In a media statement sent out by the National Veterinary Directorate in the Ministry of Agriculture (DNAV) on Friday, a ban will take place with immediate effect.
MBOMBELA – The ban was instated after a foot-and-mouth outbreak occurred in Limpopo on August 24.
Spokesman for the DNAV said although the outbreak began in August, it was only notified almost a week later.
The ban covers live cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, as well as their meat by-products and fodder. The ban does not cover pasteurised products such as milk, cheese, yogurt or cream, and also excludes heat-processed products such as canned meats.
The directorate has ordered the districts bordering South Africa to be more alert and prevent infected animals or meat from entering the country.
Meat consumption in southern Mozambique could also be affected badly as the meat producers in the region cannot keep up with the demand.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious viral disease which can affect all hoofed mammals, both domesticated and wild.
The outbreak is a major threat to livestock farmers and industries, and sometimes strict control measures such as movement restrictions or mass culling can be imposed by authorities.
