The second ban decision by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) was based on a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever disease in South Africa.

MoCCAE announced it has taken these precautionary measures:

1. Banned the import of all kinds of live animals (sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes, camels, gazelles) and their non-heat-treated by-products from South Africa.

2. Banned the import of live animals (sheep, goats, cattle, buffalos, camels, gazelles) and their non-heat-treated by-products from the infected Letsemeng province.

3. However, thermally treated products from all parts of South Africa have been cleared for import.

"MoCCAE spares no effort to provide healthy and safe food to consumers in accordance with best international practices in order to enhance consumer confidence in the safety of food traded in the country. The ministry works relentlessly to achieve its strategic objectives in promoting food safety and sustainability of local production in line with the UAE Vision 2021. The UAE places the highest priority on food safety and relies on stringent control systems with regard to imported food in order to protect consumer health," the ministry said in a statement.

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES