Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
ZIMBABWE has, with immediate effect, suspended all imports of live cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa. The drastic measure follows a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, posing a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s livestock industry.
The decision, announced through a public advisory issued by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, follows confirmation by South Africa’s Veterinary Services of an FMD outbreak in Mogale City District on April 30.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. It is classified as a transboundary animal disease (TAD) due to its potential to spread rapidly across borders, often through the illegal movement of infected animals or animal products. In southern Africa, the disease is commonly transmitted by wild buffalo, which serve as reservoirs of the virus.
The disease is characterised by painful blisters in the mouth and between the hooves, which rupture to form open sores, leading to excessive salivation, lameness, and loss of appetite. Infected animals often develop high fever and become lethargic, severely affecting productivity.
“The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development wishes to advise the public and all stakeholders that all imports of live cloven-hoofed animals and their products from Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa, have been suspended with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement read.
Stakeholders, including livestock importers, transporters, border officials, and the general public, have been urged to comply with the directive to prevent the disease from entering Zimbabwe.
“It is imperative that everyone respects the control measures in place to safeguard the nation’s livestock industry. The repercussions of FMD outbreaks are far-reaching, negatively affecting trade, the national economy, and the livelihoods of individual livestock owners,” the statement read.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services said it would continue to monitor the situation in South Africa and provide timely updates. The current suspension is subject to review based on progress in containing the outbreak.
Zimbabwe has a history of sporadic FMD outbreaks, often linked to cross-border movements of livestock and wildlife. The last major outbreak led to livestock movement restrictions and disruptions in the beef export market. As such, the country remains on high alert to prevent any reintroduction of the disease.
The national cattle herd currently stands at 5,6 million, and the Government is intensifying efforts to improve livestock quality and disease resilience. These efforts include artificial insemination programmes using superior bull semen to enhance genetics and productivity.
Authorities are also tackling tick-borne diseases, which have caused the deaths of nearly half a million cattle since 2016. In response, the Government has revitalised the national dipping programme by manufacturing vaccines locally and rehabilitating dip tanks across the country.
Through these initiatives, the livestock sector is projected to grow to US$3,4 billion by 2025, as part of broader agricultural transformation under the Livestock Growth Plan, a key pillar of Vision 2030.
