WINDHOEK – Livestock, cloven-hoofed game (excluding buffalo), fresh meat of domestic ungulates, partially processed/raw hides, skins, trophies and commercial quantities of pork can now again be imported from South Africa into Namibia.
This follows the International Animal Health Organisation (OIE) lifting its ban on red meat exports from South Africa earlier this month. South Africa regained its foot-and-mouth disease-free zone status without vaccination, according to a news release by the OIE.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Joseph Iita, however warned that imports of above-mentioned produce are subjected to certain requirements.
For the importation of livestock from South Africa, a veterinary import permit and a livestock improvement permit are required and in the case of the importation of game, a veterinary import permit, a Ministry of Environment and Tourism permit and a CITES permit for certain game species.
For the importation of the fresh meat of domestic ungulates, a veterinary permit and a Meat Board permit are required while a veterinary permit and a MET/CITES permit are required in the case of game imports.
“Individuals travelling from South Africa to Namibia will also be able to import meat for own consumption according to the bilateral agreement between Namibia and South Africa. This bilateral agreement makes allowance for a maximum of 25kg meat (sheep, cattle, goat and game) per passenger vehicle and a maximum of 10 kg biltong/droёwors per passenger vehicle without a veterinary import permit or a veterinary health certificate,” Iita said.
Foot-and-mouth disease entered Zululand in South Africa from Mozambique in 2011 and broke out in the Ingwavuma area.
Application forms for the veterinary permit can be obtained from the Import Office in Windhoek at 130 Robert Mugabe Street or the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Completed forms can be faxed to 188 655 1297. Contact Elizabeth or Olivia for enquiries about the permit at 061 276 592. For livestock improvement permits, contact 061 208 7540.
By Deon Schlechter