S.Africa halts UK meat imports after disease outbreak

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa indefinitely suspended meat imports from the United Kingdom after an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the south of England, officials said on Monday.

"The South African government confirms that until further notice no veterinary import permits will be issued for cloven-hoofed animals and products derived there-of originating from the United Kingdom," the Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

En route consignments will be held at ports and unused import permits cancelled, the department added. Only animal products given a clean bill of health according to international requirements would be excluded from the suspension.

Britain imposed a ban on all livestock movement after a strain of foot and mouth disease was confirmed in a herd in Surrey in southern England on Friday.