The government of Mozambique has banned the importation of animals and other animal by-products from Zimbabwe over the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a viral disease of ungulates – animals with hooves and spreads easily across herds and when not contained, can easily spread across borders.
The Mozambican government, aware of such dangers asked for the suspension of animal imports from Zimbabwe where the disease had broken out at the Mashonaland Central Province.
According to a report by the news agency of Mozambique, the importation of cattle, goats, pigs and cattle fodder from Zimbabwe has been banned temporarily.
“The Mozambican government has prohibited the import of animals and animal products and by-products from Zimbabwe due to the resurgence of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in that country.
“The measure comes after the Zimbabwean Tax Authority notified the Mozambican authorities on 27 May about the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in Mashonaland Central province which borders Mozambique.
“The Mozambican government has also decided to ban the import of wild ungulates and fodder for cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep.
In the districts bordering Zimbabwe, it will be compulsory to perform a visual inspection, examination of the mouth cavity and hooves of all cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs on a monthly basis.
“Foot and mouth disease is classified as one of the most dangerous livestock diseases in the world because of its rapid transmission and spread.”