The resurgence of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Zimbabwe has put the Mozambican authorities on alert and they have decided to ban the import of animals and their derivatives from that border country.

The prevention measure does not cover pasteurized dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, processed meats (canned goods and sausages), trophies, and pharmaceutical substances.

Mozambique has also banned the import of fodder from wild cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and biungulates (which have two nails or fingers).

According to the Zimbabwean Tax Authority the first cases of the disease were identified in Mashonaland Central province, Mbire district, which borders Mozambique.

The measure by the national authorities include monitoring the movement of the targeted animals along the borders between Zimbabwe and Mozambique and other road entry points into the country.

In the border districts with Zimbabwe it will be mandatory to perform monthly visual inspection, oral cavity and hoof examination of all cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.

Foot-and-mouth disease is classified as one of the most important transboundary diseases in the world because of its rapid transmission and spread, with negative economic and social impacts.