Biosecurity has been a buzzword in the agricultural sector for quite some time. While its enforcement is the responsibility of the government, specifically the Department of Agriculture, it is a joint responsibility shared by the entire sector.
By Michelle van der Spuy, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Moses Rannditsheni, Director of Media and External Communication at the Department of Agriculture, says South Africa is a signatory to the World Trade Organization’s agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
As a result, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure all South African farmers comply with national and international biosecurity measures.
“The Department of Agriculture, together with the provincial departments of agriculture and rural development, as well as other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, plays an important role in coordinating national efforts to ensure farms and related enterprises comply with biosecurity standards, as outlined in national legislation and international guidelines,” he says.
According to him, agricultural organisations such as the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), the Agricultural Products Agent Council (APAC) and the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) help the department maintain biosecurity.
According to Marlene Louw, executive head of SAPPO, this organisation, for example, played a supportive role during the recent outbreak of swine fever in the informal settlement Zwelitsha in Bredasdorp by helping with the removal of infected carcasses, among other things.
SAPPO also regularly runs courses and workshops for pork producers to emphasise the importance of biosecurity.
Also read: Nearly 900 pigs die due to African swine fever (ASF) in Bredasdorp
According to Rannditsheni, farmers, farmers’ associations and provincial departments can request the Department for information days at any time if they believe there is a need for them. He says this is done through formal training, the use of digital systems, as well as awareness and education sessions aimed at empowering farmers.
Rannditsheni says there is a unit within the Department’s Directorate of Import and Export Standards for Food that focuses on the promotion and awareness of biosecurity. This unit collaborates with provincial governments and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
“This team undertakes promotional tours, awareness campaigns and trade shows to highlight the importance of biosecurity measures.”
He says it is the responsibility of local agricultural departments to investigate diseases and report any suspected outbreaks or training needs to the Department of Agriculture.
Rannditsheni says since the international environment for trade and biosecurity is constantly changing, the department regularly assesses and evaluates its capacity and resources to be more resilient and adapt to the changing circumstances and science associated with biosecurity.
Also read: Public-private partnerships the foundation of effective biosecurity
He says South Africa’s high level of illiteracy is an obstacle to the interpretation of technical and complex biosecurity measures. Climate change creates further problems for maintaining biosecurity.
“That’s why we invest in ongoing education through social media and other platforms.”
He says the entire agricultural sector – including producers, auctioneers, marketing agents and informal farmers – must implement biosecurity measures.
“Informal farmers are aware of how dangerous disease outbreaks are and understand why they must comply with biosecurity measures. Keeping pig pens clean, avoiding the introduction of new animals into a herd before the animals’ health is confirmed, disease control, auction requirements and proper nutrition are continuously encouraged as part of the education offered to all farmers, regardless of their category.”
Also read: Minister Steenhuisen outlines bold vision at National Biosecurity Summit
