Farmers decry 'petty politics' in handling of devastating outbreak

Beef and dairy farmers say the state's insistence on being the sole importer and provider of vaccinations has stood in the way of an effective response and is bringing their industry to its knees.

- By Naledi Sikhakhane

Attorneys representing Sakeliga, the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), Free State Agriculture and several farmers sent a letter of demand to the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and other officials last week, calling on the government to allow private administration of vaccines for the dreaded foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease that has hit South African farmers.

The letter asserted that there was no legal barrier preventing livestock owners from procuring and administering vaccines. Citing the Animal Diseases Act, it emphasised the obligation of livestock owners to prevent disease and administer the necessary treatments, suggesting that private vaccination was both rational and lawful. It also highlighted the urgent need for action against the rapidly spreading disease.

Steenhuisen has unveiled a national vaccination strategy, but there is a lack of clarity regarding implementation and access to vaccines for farmers. Government policy restricts vaccine procurement and administration to state entities, which the writers of the letter argued was exacerbating the crisis.

The attorneys' clients demanded a written confirmation by 30 January, allowing the private sector to be involved in vaccine administration. If the government disagreed, it had to provide a detailed explanation of any legal impediments, or the attorneys' clients would seek court intervention to protect the livestock industry.

In response, Steenhuisen released a statement on 27 January, urging unity rather than litigation. He said the Animal Diseases Act governed the controlled vaccination process.

"The threatened court action could well derail the purchasing and rollout of vaccines while the Saai/Sakeliga/Free State Agriculture case moves through the court process and the department waits to obtain a clear directive from the court in this matter," said Steenhuisen.