The Director of Veterinary Services wishes to inform the general public and the farming community that there is an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Mpumalanga Province, Republic of South Africa. As a result of this outbreak, the Republic of South Africa is carrying out further epidemiological and laboratory investigations.

Importations of all cloven hoofed animals and their fresh products and livestock feeds intended for use in cloven hoofed animals from the Republic of South Africa is suspended with immediate effect until further notice. All issued import permits for cloven hoofed animals; cloven hoofed derived fresh products and livestock feeds are therefore void.

Farmers are requested to prevent their livestock from straying into the Republic of South Africa to reduce contact and spread of the disease. The general public and farmers are encouraged to be on a vigilant look out for signs of the disease in their livestock. In particular, farmers who have recently imported cloven hoofed livestock from the Republic of South Africa are requested to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious signs to the nearest veterinary office.

The public shall be informed of further developments.