Staff Reporter
The Veterinary Services Directorate of Zimbabwehas announced a partial lift of the ban on importing cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa, effective immediately.
This decision permits imports exclusively from the provinces of Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.
Imports from other South African provinces remain prohibited pending further assessments.
In a statement, Chief Director Dr. Pious Makaya, emphasized the selective nature of this policy adjustment.
“This lifting applies exclusively to animals originating from the provinces of Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. Exports from other South African provinces remain prohibited until further assessments are conducted,” Dr. Makaya stated.
The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) status in South Africa.
The Directorate determined that the specified provinces meet the necessary animal health standards to mitigate the risk of disease transmission.
Dr. Makaya further elaborated on the rationale behind the move, stating, “This decision reflects our commitment to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s livestock industry while ensuring the continued availability of critical animal products. The ban on imports from other provinces would remain until further risk assessments are completed,” he added
Zimbabwe’s livestock sector, which has faced challenges due to the previous blanket ban, is expected to benefit from this partial easing of restrictions.
Local farmers and industry stakeholders have welcomed the development but have called for continued vigilance.
A representative of the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union, Martin Rusike commented, “This is a step in the right direction for our livestock sector, but strict monitoring must continue to protect our national herd.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate has assured that all imports from the specified provinces will undergo rigorous inspections to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s veterinary regulations.
Dr. Makaya reiterated that the import ban on other South African provinces would be reconsidered only after thorough risk assessments are conducted.
