The Department of Foreign Affairs supports the statement issued by the Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister, Thoko Didiza which rejected Saudi Arabian press statements on South African cattle that are allegedly infected with mad cow disease.
Deputy Minister Pahad said that there has never been a case of mad cow disease in South Africa and we are therefore surprised that some unnamed official was reported to have made such allegations. He added that our relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are very good and that if the Kingdom was really concerned about the disease they would have raised it with the South African authorities through the appropriate channels. We are working with the Saudi authorities to urgently resolve the matter.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
11 AUGUST 1999