South Africa has lifted a two-month ban on livestock auctions that halted trade in cattle, sheep and other animals following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Limpopo late last year, the agriculture minister said on Monday.
In January, an auctioneer was arrested on suspicion of violating the ban implemented on 4 December by selling animals from the northern province, the epicentre of the latest outbreak that led neighouring countries including Zimbabwe to ban South African animal imports.
However, exports continued to other key markets China and the Middle East. South Africa’s livestock auction industry, which includes game such as kudu, is estimated to be worth some R81 billion ($5.44 billion) a year.
The viral disease, which causes lesions and lameness in cattle, sheep and other cloven-hoofed animals but does not affect people, was detected for a second time in November after a previous outbreak in January last year.
Announcing the lifting of the auction ban, Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza said some affected farms remain quarantined and any future livestock auctions would need the necessary permits and documentation to trade.
More Stories
Ramaphosa Vows To End Illegal Mining In SA
Ekurhuleni Mayor Set To Meet With Tembisa Residents
Solidarity Hopes Its Experts Are Used To Solve Eskom’s Woes
eThekwini No Longer Exempt From Loadshedding
Police Maintain Presence In Kagiso As Residents Live In fear
Chaos Descends On Kagiso Township
Non-citizens Can’t Practice Law In South Africa – ConCourt Rules
Maimane Robbed By Armed Men At Cape Town Bar
Makashule Gana The Latest Black Leader To Quit The DA
SAHPRA Confirms Fatality Linked To COVID-19 Vaccination
Bain & Co Banned From Working With UK Government
MEC Maile To Visit Tembisa As Shutdown Continues