JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (ADV) – The eSwatini has announced that it would ease its ban on some South African meat and dairy products following a foot and mouth disease (FMD).
According to the Reuters, the country will resume issuing import permits for some less risky products like milk and processed meats today.
“Once the country has been assured that some of these products come from disease-free areas, the ministry will resume issuance of import permits,” said Xolani Dlamini, Director of Veterinary Service.
The South African Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana said no change of meat pricing method has been seen since the outbreak.
He said FMD does not affect humans and that it is safe to consume products of cloven-hoofed animals like meat and milk.
“It will remain proper and normal for you to have a braai without fear of any problem in terms of FMD. It will not cause any health problems to people who eat meat,” said the Minister.
The department said infected cattle within 20km of the affected areas in Limpopo province would be vaccinated.
The import ban was to minimise the risk of spreading the disease in other countries. The disease was caused by a spillage in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, where about 15000 cattle are at risk.
FMD is a severe, contagious viral disease that affects livestock such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals. It mostly causes weight loss, which devastates the profitability of farming the animals.
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