Lim’s animal health in the spotlight
State and private veterinarians as well as livestock and game farmers who have missed out on the recent Limpopo Animal Health Forum’s (LAHF) meeting in Modimolle on November 9, can diarise the next meeting.
LIMPOPO – It is scheduled to take place on February 9 next year in Polokwane.
Taking the spotlight of the discussion at this meeting was various diseases threatening livestock and wildlife in the province. The problems regarding the testing of blood samples, especially sable and buffalo, was one of the focus points. The current system of these tests is dissatisfactory for those concerned in the trade.
The LAHF expressed the role and function state veterinarians need to play, what the responsibilities for state and private vets are in the process regarding these tests, the issues regarding the time span to get test results available and the logistical hassles and inaccurate marking of blood samples also came under scrutiny.
At the meeting, it was requested that the establishment of private testing laboratories should be considered. It was said that the communication with existing laboratories also needs to be improved. And that livestock and game farmers should be more involved to ensure the whole process of testing animals are done in accordance with the prescriptions. Thus, more involvement from private veterinarians is required and the owners of these animals, according to the LAHF.
The LAHF stated especially game farmers suffer great financial losses due to inaccurate work from the various parties.
The idea is for farmers to be more involved in the development of the whole process. Particularly to ensure that samples are clearly and neatly labelled, numbers are recorded correctly and the submitting of samples be expedited.
Also under the limelight at this meeting is the borders of Limpopo to neighbouring countries where some farmers must repair border fences out of their pockets, the branding of cattle and the relationship with the South African Police Service’s livestock theft units. Also under discussion were livestock illnesses such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis and corridor disease.
Regarding the next LAHF meeting in Polokwane on 9 February 2017, interested persons in these farming trades can contact Wilma Prinsloo at w.prinsloo1@mweb.co.za or Willem van Jaarsveld at info@agrilimpopo.co.za for more information.
The dates for next year’s meetings are already scheduled and can be found on www.agrilimpopo.co.za.
