By Maile Matsimela
The Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has appointed Commandant Jan J. Nel as a Biosecurity Marshal, an independent role authorised under the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984) by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
Animal disease outbreaks, such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), pose a significant threat to the South African livestock industry.
In response, RMIS and the Directorate: Animal Health, is taking proactive steps to enhance disease monitoring, enforce compliance and strengthen biosecurity protocols across the industry.
RMIS said the appointment of Commandant Nel is a vital step in reinforcing biosecurity measures and safeguarding South Africa’s livestock industry against controlled animal diseases.
As part of RMIS’s 2025 strategic initiatives, the newly appointed Biosecurity Marshal will investigate epidemiologically linked locations, animals and businesses suspected of disease involvement, and monitor compliance with biosecurity measures at farms, auctions, transport points, abattoirs and roadblocks.
Furthermore, Nel will enforce movement restrictions of cloven-hoofed animals and conduct inspections, collect data and compile reports on disease control infractions, working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority on legal actions where necessary and liaising with state veterinarians and industry stakeholders to ensure disease control effectiveness.
This initiative aligns with RMIS’s 2025 Project Portfolio, aimed at enhancing traceability, market access and disease prevention within South Africa’s red meat sector.
By deploying biosecurity marshals, RMIS is reinforcing the industry’s resilience, improving trade confidence and ensuring livestock health and welfare.
Nel said after 37 years of dedicated service in government agriculture, particularly in veterinary services and law enforcement, he’s proud to continue his commitment to South Africa’s livestock producers through RMIS.
He said strengthening biosecurity and enforcing compliance and traceability at all levels of the value chain is critical to protecting our industry.
Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, said their focus remains on building a sustainable and globally competitive red meat industry.
“The introduction of biosecurity marshals will strengthen our disease response framework, ensuring that South African red meat producers operate in a safe and compliant environment,” said Olivier.
