The minister of lands, agriculture, fisheries, water and rural development in South Africa's northern neighbour announced the suspension after Veterinary Services of South Africa confirmed outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across several provinces. 

To safeguard the national herd and the economy, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka invoked the Animal Health Act (Chapter 19:01).

Foot-and-mouth is a highly contagious, transboundary viral disease that spreads rapidly through the movement of infected animals and contaminated animal products.

Zimbabwe has suspended the importation of all live cloven-hoofed animals from South Africa. Photo: Pexel

The issuing of new import permits for live cloven-hoofed animals (including pigs) and their products from South Africa is suspended until further notice. All previously issued and unused import permits for the aforementioned categories are hereby cancelled.

FMD outbreaks pose a severe threat to national food security, international trade, and the livelihoods of individual livestock owners. Consequently, the ministry requests maximum cooperation from all stakeholders, including importers, travellers and border agencies, to prevent the illegal movement of live animals and their products to minimise the risk of disease entry into Zimbabwe.

Itsdirectorate of veterinary services is actively monitoring the epidemiological situation in South Africa and will review these restrictions as the situation evolves.

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OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder dg