What can still be imported from SA

ELLANIE SMIT



The agriculture ministry has provided detailed information to importers and the Namibian public on which animals and animal products may be imported following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa.

The ministry suspended imports and transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from South Africa on 8 January.

This was done in accordance with the Animal Health Act.

The disease was detected in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province in the FMD-free zone of South Africa and reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 7 January.

South Africa’s FMD-free status was temporarily suspended.

“Consequently any exports from South Africa where FMD-free zone attestation is required cannot be certified,” said Dr Albertina Shilongo, the ministry’s acting chief veterinary officer.

Shilongo said all previously issued import and transit permits were cancelled.

Providing details on the animals and animal products that cannot be imported into or transported through Namibia, she said these include live cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and antelope, as well as their fresh, frozen or uncooked products that originate from South Africa.

Uncooked products of cloven-hoofed animals that are imported from other countries and processed in South Africa are also barred from Namibia.

Uncooked meat products of cloven-hoofed animals for own consumption are also not permitted.

Shilongo said certain animals and products can be imported into Namibia, provided they are accompanied by a valid Namibian veterinary import permit and veterinary health certificate.

These include non-cloven-hoofed animals such as horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah and crocodile, as well as the products of non-cloven-hoofed animals.

Cooked processed meat products of cloven-hoofed animals may be imported, as well as dry biltong and heat-treated milk and milk products of cloven hooved animals.

Dry salted and wet blue hides and skins, as well as fully processed karakul pelts and fully processed trophies, can also be imported.

Imports of fresh, uncooked products of cloven-hooved animals from other countries via South Africa are still permitted. These include semen and embryos of cloven-hooved animals.

Shilongo said commercial processed feed may be imported and hay from approved commercial facilities certified by the South African Veterinary Authority is also allowed.

FMD is one of the most contagious diseases of cloven-hooved animals and is a disease of economic importance.

Common clinical signs of the disease include salivation, not grazing, limping, reluctance to move, blisters and sores on the tongue, gums, nose, udder and on the feet of cloven-hooved animals.

Shilongo said the significance of FMD is related to the ease with which the virus can spread. This can occur through infected animals newly introduced into a herd, carrying the virus in their saliva, milk or semen.

FMD can also spread through contaminated pens or buildings or transport vehicles or materials such as hay feed, water, milk or biologics.

The disease can also spread through contaminated clothing, footwear or equipment.

Virus-infected meat or contaminated meat or other contaminated animal products, if fed to animals when raw or uncooked, can also cause FMD to spread.

Animals that have recovered from infection may also carry the virus and initiate new outbreaks of the disease.

FMD is not readily transmissible to humans and is not a public health risk.