• DR Congo bans South African livestock imports over FMD
• Measure suspends permits for animals and animal products
• South Africa ramps up vaccination, local vaccine production

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended imports of cattle and other cloven-hoofed livestock from South Africa until further notice, citing a renewed outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said the ban also covers related animal products.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious transboundary disease that disrupts livestock production and trade.

Zambia has also tightened biosecurity measures, closing its borders in mid-February 2026 to livestock imports from South Africa.

Kinshasa said all import permits for cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, as well as products of animal origin including meat, milk, hides and animal feed, have been suspended until further notice.

Veterinary authorities have been instructed to enforce the measure strictly, with reinforced inspections at border posts. The ministry also plans to fund an awareness campaign targeting livestock farmers along the DRC–Zambia border.

Officials said they are closely monitoring developments in South Africa, where several outbreaks have been reported in recent weeks.

South African authorities have stepped up vaccination campaigns targeting cattle and announced plans to begin local vaccine production. Initial output is expected to reach 20,000 doses per week from March 2026, before rising to 200,000 doses per week in 2027 to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the country’s animal health response.

Ronsard Luabeya, with Bankable