21 September 2000
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE BANNING OF SOUTH AFRICAN MEAT PRODUCTS
The South African Government has learnt with disappointment of the unilateral imposition of restrictions on imports of live animals and meat products from South Africa by some SADC member countries. Whereas the outbreak of foot-and-Mouth disease has indeed been confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, it is confined to one farm in the district of Camperdown in the province of Kwa-Zulu/Natal.
It is the first time that this virus has been diagnosed in South Africa and this is the first occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease outside the control area in forty-three years. Preliminary testing results indicate that the virus is foreign to South Africa. In an effort to contain and restrict the problem to the affected area, the farms within a radius of 30 kilometres have been placed under strict quarantine and this includes movement control. All of the animals on the affected farm have been destroyed and the farm therefore completely depopulated of all susceptible species in accordance with international zoo-sanitary standards. Additional resources and measures have been made available to conduct as speedily as possible testing and investigations by the South African Veterinary Services.
The South African Government notes with appreciation the well considered approach of the European Union and the United States Government to wait for further developments in this regard. We urge all our international partners to adopt the same measured response. It is our sincere hope that the SADC member countries affected will review their decisions and remain in consultation with us on further developments. The South African Government will continue to devote more resources and take measures to resolve this problem.
For further information, please contact Dumisani Rasheleng Office No. (012) 3510067 / 0128 Cell No. 083 709 8166
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs PRIVATE BAG X 152 Pretoria 0001