Is SA's veterinary system breaking down?

SOUTH Africa's Department of Agriculture has been struggling to contain and prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a virus that infects livestock and impacts negatively on both farmers and consumers.

- DR REBONE MOERANE

SOUTH Africa's Department of Agriculture has been struggling to contain and prevent the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a virus that infects livestock and impacts negatively on both farmers and consumers.

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The situation prompted the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, to release several media statements, including an announcement of a policy shift for cattle to be vaccinated against FMD. This was followed by the release of a vaccination strategy that involves determining the vaccine quantities that are to be imported and produced locally, and identifying high-risk areas in the country.

Steenhuisen also voiced an intent to redirect unspent funds under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) towards biosecurity and FMD control; it was also indicated that 5% of CASP funding will be prioritised for FMD.

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture stated that it will not review salaries for state veterinarians, noting that newly qualified vets are paid at middle-management level in the public service, and that the mandate fell under the Department of Public Service and Administration.

Unfortunately, the media statements and policy shifts cannot be left unchallenged. The current situation reflects on the government and its failure to plan, execute and monitor their plans to deal with outbreaks/risks. Ultimately, the question is this: should we be worried? The simple answer is yes. If we substituted or replaced the FMD outbreak with a contagious zoonotic disease, millions of people would be infected, leading to a possible high mortality rate.