Zambia has shut its borders to South African livestock and related products due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa, which has prompted Pretoria to declare a national disaster.
Zambia has enacted an urgent biosecurity measure by closing its borders to all South African livestock and related products in response to a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of Zambia announced the immediate suspension of all livestock import permits previously issued, with spokesperson Benny Munyama emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This ban is comprehensive, covering not just live animals but also livestock feeds, trophies, skins, hides, and dairy products derived from cloven-hoofed animals, unless stringent mitigation steps are observed.
The urgency of the Zambian government's response reflects the escalating FMD crisis in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national disaster due to the outbreak. As the disease spreads, South Africa has been grappling with the implications for its agricultural sector and animal health. The situation necessitated this proactive measure from Zambia to protect its livestock industry from potential FMD exposure, which could lead to significant economic losses and health risks in its own livestock population.
Transit of South African live animals through Zambia has also been prohibited as part of this new policy, indicating a tight control approach taken by Zambia. The closure of borders emphasizes the interconnectedness of nations in managing agricultural and biosecurity challenges and underlines the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing outbreaks that threaten livestock health in the region. This situation remains fluid, and the responses from neighboring countries like Zambia may evolve as more information about the outbreak and its impact comes to light.
