October 14, 2004

Beef Prices Surge In Zambia
 

Beef prices in Zambia have shot up following a shortage caused by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

In Lusaka, a survey conducted by the Business Times showed that the average price of beef and beef products had increased drastically.

Mixed cut in the town butcheries had gone up from K12,000 to K16,000 per kilogram, T-bone steaks were now selling at an average K24,000 from K20,000 per kg while beef sausages were costing K17,000 from K14,000 per kg.

On the Copperbelt, mixed cut is selling at K17,000 from K16,000 per kg while T- bone is at K21,000 from K20,000 per kg.

According to Zambeef Public Relations Officer Justo Kopulande, the prices were forced up by the foot and mouth disease which has continued to affect the traditional cattle in most parts of the country.

He said that traditional cattle had a larger share on the market, and it was a pity that the areas from which they were bought had been hit by the disease.

Mr Kopulande said the shortage of more affordable traditional cattle was having an impact on the market because most butcheries had now started to stock pedigree beef which is first grade cattle and of higher quality.

"Pedigree animals are of high quality and the shortage has not extended to first grade cattle, which are non-grazers and whose meat products are still abundant on the market.

"The first grade cattle is of high quality beef and is still abundant on the market hence the high prices of beef and its products," he said.

The government banned the movement of cattle from the southern and central parts of the country due to the foot and mouth disease.