The suspension follows the outbreak of Kaba (Listriosis) disease in South Africa.
According to medicalnewstoday.com, Listeriosis is a food-borne infection caused by Listeria bacteria. The majority of people who become infected might barely notice the illness. However, those at risk can be severely affected and mortality rates are relatively high.
In a statement released on Tuesday, MINAGRI referred to the decision by the South African health ministry’s notice issued on December 12 confirming that they have the disease in the country. The statement also followed one of their neighboring country, Botswana, which was cautioning South Africa on the disease.
Studies have revealed that 36 out of 557 infected people died in South Africa. The disease is most appearing in Gauteng at 62% and Western Cape at 17%.
Listeriosis, also called Listeria, can be a serious infection; it strikes pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
The initial symptoms of listeriosis might not become apparent for some time; the incubation period is variable and can be anything from 11-70 days after consuming Listeria contaminated food.
These symptoms include muscle aches, fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhea and for many people the infection spreads to the nervous system and the symptom will be headache, confusion, stiff neck, tremors and convulsions, and loss of balance among others.
For animals with listeriosis, they lose foetus and lead to abortion or give birth to a stillborn. They also suffer from paralysis of one side of the face like eyes, nostrils, mouth and ear dropping.
“Based on these reasons, Minister of agriculture and animal resources informs the general public, government institutions, security agencies in the country, from borders, at the airport and people going outside the country that meat, milk and related products, vegetables and fruits dealership from South Africa are suspended till further notice,” reads MINAGRI statement in part.
MINAGRI calls herders and veterinaries to take animals with such symptoms to the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) to put them under their care.
The Ministry assures that they will continue to monitor the developments on the disease from South Africa, Africa and around the world.
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