Zambia Suspends Livestock Imports from South Africa Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Zambia has suspended all livestock import permits from South Africa in response to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country. The move, effective immediately, aims to protect Zambia’s livestock industry from a potentially devastating outbreak of the highly contagious disease.

Border Closure and Restrictions

The Zambian Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, through its Department of Veterinary Services, announced the suspension of all livestock import permits from South Africa. The ban extends to livestock feeds, trophies, skins, hides and cloven-hoofed animals, according to a statement by ministry spokesperson Benny Munyama [The Citizen].

the issuance of permits for importing cloven-hoofed animal products, such as dairy, has been suspended unless strict mitigation measures are implemented in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health’s terrestrial animal health code. All previously issued import permits have been revoked [Business Day].

National Disaster Declaration in South Africa

The outbreak of FMD in South Africa has prompted the government to declare a national disaster. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the declaration during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 12, 2026 [eNCA] and [The Citizen].

Vaccination Efforts and Task Team

South Africa is planning a large-scale vaccination campaign, aiming to vaccinate 14 million cattle over the next 12 months with 28 million doses of vaccine [eNCA]. President Ramaphosa has established a task team, comprising farmer organizations and experts, to monitor progress and report monthly on the vaccination efforts [eNCA].

Western Cape Response

The Western Cape government is actively rolling out a mass foot-and-mouth disease vaccination drive in Fisantekraal, outside Cape Town, to protect its R13.5 billion livestock industry. Veterinarians and animal health officials are currently inoculating 450 cattle as part of the province’s 21-point action plan to combat the national outbreak [eNCA].

Vaccine Distribution

More than one million vaccines are expected to be available by next week, according to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen [eNCA].