The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has suspended all livestock imports from South Africa with immediate effect following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in that country.
In a press statement issued on February 14, 2026, the Ministry said the decision was taken “following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in that country.”
The Ministry stated that through the Department of Veterinary Services, it “has with immediate effect, suspended all livestock import permits from South Africa.”
Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Charles Maseka, announced a series of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s livestock sector. According to the statement, “Importation of all cloven hoofed-animals from South Africa has been suspended with immediate effect.”
The ban also extends to related products. The Ministry said, “Importation of livestock feeds, trophies, skins, hides and hooves from South Africa will not be allowed in the country, with immediate effect.”
Further, authorities have halted the issuance of permits for certain animal products. “Issuance of permits for the importation of cloven-hoofed animal products (e.g. dairy products) from South Africa has been suspended unless strict mitigation measures are undertaken in accordance with the conditions as provided for in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the OIE Vol. 2 of 2025,” the statement read.
The Ministry also suspended transit permits, stating that “Issuance of permits for the transiting of live cloven hoofed-animals from South Africa through Zambia has been suspended.” It added that “All issued permits are revoked with immediate effect.”
The Ministry assured stakeholders that the measures are temporary and subject to review. “These precautionary measures will be reviewed depending on the progression of the FMD outbreak situation in South Africa,” the statement said.
The government has since urged members of the public, farmers and stakeholders to take note of the development as authorities work to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Zambia’s livestock industry
