Zambia halts Livestock Imports from South Africa over FMD outbreak

Zambia has suspended all livestock import permits from South Africa with immediate effect in response to ongoing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease that continue to disrupt the country’s beef industry.

The ban covers cloven-hoofed animals as well as related products such as feed, skins and hides. Additional restrictions have also been placed on the transit of live animals through Zambia. Authorities say the measures will be reviewed as the outbreak situation evolves.

The disease, which resurfaced in early 2025, has spread to most provinces in South Africa, prompting tighter controls by trading partners and adding further pressure on export volumes. Beef exports declined sharply in 2025 as key markets imposed bans on red meat products, increasing strain on producers and processors.

South African authorities have intensified containment efforts, including a nationwide vaccination drive targeting a significant portion of the national cattle herd, alongside increased reliance on imported vaccine supplies. The measures aim to curb the outbreak, stabilise the livestock sector and restore confidence among regional and international trading partners.