Harare, Zimbabwe - Authorities in Zimbabwe Friday banned cattle and beef imports from South Africa after the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the neighbouring country. South Africa said this week food and mouth disease had broken out in Kwazulu Natal, prompting the Zimbabwean cattle and meat import ban. Zimbabwe only lifted a similar ban on South African meat two weeks ago, imposed earlier after another outbreak of livestock diseases.

Livestock and Veterinary Services director, William Shereni, said the ban was precautionary and was with immediate effect.

But he said it excluded processed foodstuffs.

Pana 26/03/2011