South African meat imports banned on RVF alarm

The Ministry of Agriculture has banned with immediate effect imports of live animals that are ruminants from South Africa, as well as meat and meat products of domestic and wild ruminants.

The ban was necessitated by an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in several parts of South Africa recently, which caused the death of at least one person.

"The ban will be in place until further notice," Cleophas Bamhare, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer said.

"No veterinary permits will be issued for imports of live ruminants, meat and meat products of domestic and wild ruminants originating from any part of South Africa. All import permits which were issued before the ban is hereby cancelled. The situation in South Africa will be closely monitored," Bamhare said.

Farmers and importers, in particular those who recently imported animals from South Africa, are urged to keep a close eye on their animals and report any suspicions of RVF to the nearest state veterinarian.

Animal products including blood, meat and milk should be thoroughly cooked before eating, the Agriculture Ministry urged.

RVF is a mosquito-borne infection affecting sheep, goats, cattle, camels, buffaloes and people. The disease is most severe in cattle, causing abortions in pregnant animals and a high mortality rate in the newborn.