Namibia has suspended meat imports from neighbouring South Africa due to the outbreak of the highly contagious foot and mouth disease.
The authorities on Tuesday announced that positive laboratory results for the viral disease, which causes lesions and lameness in cattle and sheep, were taken in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, which borders Zimbabwe. Foot and mouth disease does not affect people, but it poses a threat to cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.
Namibia’s acting Chief Veterinary Officer Albertina Shilongo said the suspension of meat imports from South Africa would take immediate effect.
The South African authorities on Tuesday said the affected area had been put under quarantine and investigations to verify the results and determine the extent of the outbreak were being conducted.
Source: CGTN