Wagyu sets the example for traceability in South Africa

The Certified Wagyu Beef system is a leading example of livestock traceability, which would allow South African producers access to lucrative export markets.

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South Africa has lagged the rest of Africa in developing a national traceability system. Countries such as Namibia, Botswana, eSwatini, Ethiopia and Sudan have all developed, or are in the process of developing, national traceability systems. Developing such a system would grant these countries access to lucrative export markets.

Regions such as the EU, and countries such as Japan and South Korea, pay premium prices. However, they also require high levels of health status. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at the beginning of the year, and the subsequent outbreak will probably exclude South African meat from these markets in the near future. Middle Eastern countries, such as Dubai and Kuwait, however, are prepared to import meat from countries affected by FMD, but want to know that the disease is under control.

China is easily the most lucrative market for exporters, and meat imports here have grown from about 500t/ annum to 1,5 million tons per annum over the past decade. China has opened its borders for meat from South Africa, but wants to know that disease-free areas are zoned off (compartmentalized), and that feedlots only procure cattle from these compartmentalized areas.

TRACEABILITY

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), headquartered in France, is the global coordinating body for animal health. South Africa is a member of the OIE.

All member countries of the UN must subscribe to the OIE, and, as per their membership, must report all outbreaks of notifiable diseases to the organisation.

The OIE defines traceability as “the means or the ability to follow an animal or group of animals during all stages of its life”.