South Africa indefinitely suspended meat imports from the United Kingdom after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the south of England, officials said on Monday.
”The South African government confirms that until further notice, no veterinary import permits will be issued for cloven-hoofed animals and products derived thereof originating from the United Kingdom,” the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs said in a statement.
En-route consignments will be held at ports and unused import permits cancelled, the department added. Only animal products given a clean bill of health according to international requirements would be excluded from the suspension.
Britain imposed a ban on all livestock movement after a strain of foot-and mouth-disease was confirmed in a herd in Surrey in southern England on Friday. — Reuters