Countries neighbouring South Africa have banned the importation of cloven-hoofed animals and their products, over a foot-and-mouth disease breakout in the northern Limpopo province.

On Monday Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana confirmed the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa, which was first identified a week ago in Vhembe district near the border with Zimbabwe.

The outbreak prompted the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to lift the FMD-free status that the country has enjoyed since 2014, allowing it to boost red meat exports.

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and eSwatini, are among the countries that have outlawed imports of South African red meat over the past week.

In a statement, the agriculture ministry said these bans have caused serious loss to the industry, and the impact it has had to trade in the past week has been devastating.

The highly contagious viral disease, which causes lesions and lameness, has so far infected about 50 heads of cattle, and the affected area has been placed under quarantine.