South Africa regains FMD-free zone status

Namibia can immediately resume trading in animals and animal products from South Africa after a part of the country that does not vaccinate was declared free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Joseph Iita, says that South Africa regained the foot-and-mouth free status where vaccinations are not taking place on February 14 in accordance to an official letter from the International Health Organisation. Trade can resume in live cattle, sheep, goats and cloven-hoofed game with the exception of buffalo. Also on the list are: fresh meat of the animals mentioned above, partially processed or raw hides, skins and trophies, as well as commercial quantities of pork. Iita said people travelling from South Africa to Namibia will also be able to import meat for their own consumption in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Namibia and South Africa. This bilateral agreement makes allowance for the importation of a maximum of 25 kg of meat and 10 kg of biltong or droëwors per passenger vehicle without a Veterinary Import Permit or a Veterinary Health Certificate. Iita further said that for the importation of livestock a Veterinary Import Permit and a Livestock Improvement Permit is necessary. For the importation of game a Veterinary Import Permit, Ministry of Environment and Tourism Permit and CITES permit for certain game species are required. For importing commercial quantities of fresh meat a Veterinary Import Permit and a Meat Board Permit are needed. For importing partially processed or raw hides, skins or trophies a Veterinary Import Permit as well as Ministry of Environment and Tourism and CITES permits are essential.