NEW: Government lifts import ban on cloven-hoofed animals from four South African provinces

Online Reporter

THE Government has lifted the import ban on cloven-hoofed animals and their products from four South African provinces with immediate effect.

In a statement on Tuesday, Department of Veterinary Services chief director Dr Pious Makaya said the decision comes after a review of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) risk assessment.

The four provinces are Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape.

“Following recommendations in the FMD Risk Assessment report compiled by a team of veterinary epidemiologists and laboratory experts, the import of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from these South African provinces to Zimbabwe has been lifted until further notice,” said Dr Makaya.

“No import permits shall be issued from the other South African provinces which are not mentioned in this review notification as they remain banned until further assessments.”