Illegal Veterinary Medicines Seized at Polokwane Airport

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has confirmed the interception of a large consignment of illegally imported veterinary medicines at Polokwane International Airport on 26 November 2025. The seizure forms part of intensified efforts to protect South Africa’s livestock industry amid ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.

According to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, Port Agriculture officials intercepted an aircraft arriving from Kenya and Tanzania carrying veterinary medicines known as Berenil. The products were found packed in two polystyrene boxes with a combined weight of approximately 84 kilograms. The shipment was reportedly in transit to Pietermaritzburg Airport.

The consignment was denied entry after officials established that it lacked the legally required import permits under Section 6 of the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984. Following consultations with the Department of Agriculture, the medicines were confiscated and sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute – Transboundary Animal Diseases Laboratory (OVI-TAD) for further analysis.

Commissioner Masiapato emphasised the BMA’s vigilance, noting the serious biosecurity threat posed by the illegal importation of veterinary products, particularly during the ongoing FMD outbreak. He said strengthened inspections at ports of entry are essential to safeguarding the health of the national herd and protecting the economic stability of local farmers.

The attempt to smuggle untested animal medicines is considered a serious violation of South Africa’s veterinary and biosecurity laws. Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, with severe consequences for livestock production and international trade.

There are seven serotypes of the FMD virus, each requiring a specific vaccine. The introduction of foreign serotypes could compromise the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing control measures. Only legally procured FMD vaccines, sourced from the Botswana Vaccine Institute, are permitted for use in South Africa.

Farmers have been urged to contact their local State Veterinarian if they suspect any signs of FMD in their livestock. Authorities have reiterated that unauthorised use of vaccines remains strictly prohibited.

The BMA’s Port Agriculture unit remains committed to supporting national disease control programmes and strengthening South Africa’s biosecurity.

Members of the public are encouraged to report corruption, suspicious activity or smuggling attempts through Operation HI-TIVISE on 0801 229 019, or via the BMA website at www.bma.gov.za