The Stud Breeders Federation (SBF) says the announcement about the vaccination of the national herd against foot-and-mouth disease gives the impression the problems the current wave of outbreaks is causing the industry will be taken seriously.
By Carien Kruger, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The SBF is very optimistic about the statement issued by John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, on Wednesday 26 September regarding the vaccination campaign, says Kobus Bester, chairman of this new non-profit company through which SA Stud Book and the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
“Good cooperation between the industry and the government is essential to deal with this crisis,” says Bester.
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“There are aspects in the statement that the SBF would like more clarity on, but the complete vaccination of the national herd with a good quality vaccine is something our advisory veterinarians have advocated for, and now it is becoming a possibility.”
“We are already busy planning how we can work together as a key industry grouping to make a constructive contribution to the success of this grand endeavour.
“The adjustment of legislation will not be able to happen overnight, but unlike what was the case with the previous national contingency plan for foot-and-mouth disease, we hope that this time a proper plan can be put together between the industry and the government, which will get the industry back on track and remove some of the current obstacles.”
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Bester says the SBF would like more clarity on aspects such as obtaining sufficient quantities of suitable vaccine, financing, distribution, administration and record-keeping (traceability) to ensure the successful execution of the campaign.
“We are busy with the further development of the IDtrax software to facilitate and improve record-keeping and to provide for vaccination records.
“We and our members will promote the best interests of the industry through good cooperation,” says Bester.
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