By Nico van Burick
The network organisation Saai has also expressed its deep concern about the outbreak of livestock diseases, saying the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in KwaZulu-Natal and the subsequent spread to some of the largest feedlots in the country is a disaster of immeasurable proportions for cattle farmers.
Saai says in a statement if farmers cannot sell their livestock at auctions, to feedlots or slaughterhouses, the farm – and that family – has no income.
This organisation is particularly concerned about the large number of farmers who are financially strapped because they cannot market their livestock. There is little they can do about it themselves.
Dr Theo de Jager, executive chairman of Saai, believes the origin of this crisis lies with the state. “The Department of Agriculture, supported by local private veterinarians, must act immediately upon the observation of symptoms, identify the infected area and cordon it off. Failure to act in a timely manner ensures the further spread of the disease and causes devastating damage to the cattle industry.”
He says effective action also requires close collaboration between the department and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), which manufactures the vaccines, state and private veterinarians, police and traffic services, private security organisations and organised agriculture – which promotes liaison with farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain.
“Saai contacted the department when the first rumours about foot-and-mouth disease began. However, it took months before the outbreak was officially declared and resources were made available to combat it.
“Since then, farmers have reported livestock is being transported daily on trucks or trailers to auctions, especially in the Mpumalanga Highveld. If the state cannot effectively control the movement of livestock from infected areas, successful meat and milk production is simply no longer possible.”
Saai emphasises that farmers already have to compete with producers in neighbouring countries, where law enforcement and controls are better, as well as with farmers in Europe and elsewhere, who enjoy government subsidies and support. The disruption in the value chain and market access is a blow to many local producers.
“Farmers also believe the problem stems from a lack of political will, weak leadership, incompetent officials and the inability to appoint competent people in key positions so that effective services can be delivered,” says De Jager. With the price of supermarkets having already risen to R75/kg, he believes consumers are also likely to pay more for meat.
“At the heart of the problem lies the absence of consequences. Offenders, as well as officials who cause immeasurable damage through their negligence, are not held accountable. There is also no accounting for the hundreds of millions of rands that had to be spent on vaccine development and production.”
Saai is also concerned about the department’s readiness to deal with an avian flu outbreak.
