Namibia suspends pork imports

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In a press statement this week, agriculture's acting permanent secretary of Namibia, Sophy Kasheeta, said the South African department of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries officially reported an outbreak of African swine fever.

"As a result, the MAWF hereby announces the immediate suspension of the importation of live pigs and raw pork from the RSA until the outbreak is adequately resolved," she stated.

Surveillance activities at the official border points will be increased to ensure that products entering Namibia do not pose an increased level of risk for the pork industry of Namibia.

South African media reported that the country confirmed two separate cases last week.

Albertina Musilika-Shilongo of the department of veterinary services in the agriculture ministry told The Namibian yesterday that she is not aware of the exact number of cases recorded, but the ministry received a letter warning them of the outbreak. "I do not think there are only two cases, but I am not sure of the exact number. They just sent us a letter, informing us that they recorded cases in the Western Cape and the Free State," Musilika-Shilongo said.

Importers who may experience specific problems with this suspension should contact the ministry. For now, the country will continue importing these products from other countries such as France and Brazil, amongst others.