SOUTHERN AFRICA: IRIN News Briefs

SOUTH AFRICA: Foot-and-mouth disease could cost US $1 billion

Following a second outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the crisis which
started in KwaZulu-Natal Province three months ago could cost South Africa
and its neighbours US $1 billion, DPA reported on Sunday. The crisis
intensified last week when South Africa closed all its borders to beef
exports and imports following an outbreak in neighbouring Mpumalanga
Province. The latest outbreak was near the town of Middelburg, more than 200
km east of Johannesburg.

Mpumalanga Province accounts for 13 percent of South Africa's beef
production, generating annual earnings of more than US $50 million. Quoting
Boet Venter, chief executive officer of the South African Meat Company, the
report said indirect costs to industries dependent on beef would push the
total loss to the economy up to more than US $1 billion over a two-year
period. More than 20 countries have already moved to impose partial or total
bans on South African meat products.