Frustrated farmers have every right to speak out, but the reality is more complex than it seems. That’s according to Dr Dave Midgley, CEO of the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA), responding to complaints from farmers in North West and the Free State about the poor availability of state veterinarians.
By Jasper Raats
African Farming recently reported on the experiences of two cattle farmers – Duncan Serapelwane of Moalosi Bonsmara in Vryburg and Ratlale “Bush” Masiu, a stud and commercial farmer in Senekal – who described state veterinary services as “disorganised and understaffed”. Their frustrations are not just about delays; missed inspections can have real financial consequences, especially when auctions are suspended because animals haven’t been cleared by a veterinarian.
A Complex Problem
“Yes, farmers are justified in complaining when state vets don’t respond in time,” Dr Midgley says, “but it’s also important to understand the challenges those vets face every day – and how farmers’ own actions can sometimes make things worse.”
In areas like North West, where outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) occur outside known risk zones, state veterinarians are stretched thin. Midgley explains that in districts such as Potchefstroom, Ventersdorp and Zeerust, the disease is likely being spread by cattle smuggled from controlled zones and sold at auctions.
“You can reduce about 10% of the spread by spraying footbaths and tyres, but 90% of it comes from the movement of infected animals.”
To manage this, state vets must examine every animal going to auction for FMD symptoms within two days of the auction. However, when farmers request vet inspections at the last minute, it’s often impossible to meet the demand.
Limited Resources, High Expectations
Many state veterinarians are responsible for vast areas with limited fuel, cellphone reception and mileage allowances. “Some drive for hours to reach a farm, only to find the cattle still out in the veld,” Dr Midgley says. “They have to wait, and by the time the inspection is done, five other farmers are wondering why the vet hasn’t shown up.”
Budget constraints make things worse. In some cases, a veterinarian is only permitted to drive a certain number of kilometres each month – sometimes only enough to cover a week’s work. Once that limit is reached, the vehicle may not be used further, even if farmers are still waiting for assistance.
Communication and Collaboration Key to Controlling Disease
Dr Midgley emphasises the importance of mutual respect and proactive planning between farmers and veterinary services. “Visit your state veterinarian early, ask about current disease risks, make appointments ahead of time, don’t wait for a crisis.”
He encourages farmers to work with state vets, private vets and even local municipalities to develop strategies for keeping diseases out of their districts. In the Eastern Cape, this collaborative approach has helped bring foot-and-mouth disease under control more quickly than in some other provinces.
Conditions differ across the country, of course. In provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, you have added challenges, such as proximity to the Kruger National Park and poor fence maintenance. That’s why state vets and farming communities should work together to develop strategies to address their own unique problems.
Private Vets to the Rescue?
Dr Midgley says it’s time for the government to make a clear decision – either appoint a state veterinarian for every small town, or contract private veterinarians in areas where there isn’t enough demand to justify a full-time post. “When I was younger, I often worked on behalf of the state,” he recalls. “It provided extra income and offered a practical solution to a shortage of vets.”
There are real barriers to involving private vets in state work, however, particularly when it comes to diseases like foot-and-mouth. If a private vet handles an infected animal, they’re prohibited from visiting any other farms for five days. That’s a significant loss of income, with no compensation.
This, Dr Midgley explains, is why it’s so important for farmers to support their state veterinarians. “If a vet is constantly criticised for not arriving fast enough or for refusing to work after hours, they’re likely to apply for the first job available in the city.”
Ultimately, farmers and vets need to meet each other halfway. “Put yourself in your state vet’s shoes. Speak. Listen. Understand. Respect. These four actions can make all the difference, and help create a South Africa where we can all farm successfully.”
