Foot-and-mouth outbreak: exports suspended

Molemole/ Limpopo – The exporting of cloven-hoofed animals and related fresh products to Zimbabwe has been stopped following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease on a farm in the Molemole District of Limpopo. 

The Department of Land, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement confirmed that the outbreak was reported on Friday 1 November. 

An investigation by the Department of Veterinary Services is expected to identify the virus strain and the actual extent of the outbreak. Veterinary experts are carrying out tests to establish the origin of the virus and the various areas it might have already spread to. 

Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for the Department of Land, Agriculture, Water and Climate said:

“The Department of Veterinary Services has suspended exporting of live cloven hoofed animals (cattle, goats, sheep and pigs) and their products from South Africa with immediate effect until a full report on the outbreak has been availed by the South African veterinary authorities.”  

He said the suspension was a precautionary measure designed to prevent the spread of infection into Zimbabwe.

“The department continues to monitor the situation with a view to normalising trade as soon as the outbreak is controlled.”