Veterinarians at the frontline of food security, not just crisis response

As South Africa marks World Veterinary Day, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) is urging the country to recognise veterinary professionals as a strategic national asset, not only in times of crisis, but as a constant pillar supporting food security, public health and agricultural sustainability.

By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming

Observed annually on the last Saturday of April (25 April 2026), World Veterinary Day was established by the World Veterinary Association to highlight the critical role veterinarians play in animal health, welfare, food safety and public health.

This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”, reinforces the profession’s contribution to safeguarding food systems and addressing disease risks through a One Health lens.

Also read: ‘Is the outbreak of FMD a sign of SA’s deteriorating veterinary services?’ – Dr Rebone Moerane

The 2026 commemoration comes at a critical time for South Africa’s livestock sector, as the country continues to grapple with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Although the disease poses no direct risk to human health, its economic impact is severe, disrupting livestock production, threatening farmer livelihoods and limiting access to both domestic and international markets.

According to SAVA, the ongoing FMD outbreaks have once again exposed the essential role veterinarians play across the entire agricultural value chain. From early detection and diagnostics to vaccination campaigns, movement control enforcement and biosecurity implementation, veterinary professionals are central to managing and containing animal disease threats.

Dr Ziyanda Majokweni, president of the South African Veterinary Association, says the country should recognise veterinary professionals as a strategic national asset and essential pillars supporting food security, public health and agricultural sustainability. Photo: Supplied

A Frontline Defence

The government has intensified its response through nationwide vaccination efforts, tighter movement controls, expanded surveillance and strengthened biosecurity measures. However, SAVA emphasises that these interventions depend heavily on veterinary expertise to be effective on the ground.

“Too often, the veterinary profession is viewed too narrowly,” said Dr Ziyanda Majokweni, president of SAVA. “Veterinarians do far more than care for pets. They are a frontline defence in protecting animal health, supporting safe and sustainable food systems, and helping safeguard public health. In a country facing ongoing FMD outbreaks, that role becomes impossible to ignore.”

Also read: UFH to establish South Africa’s second veterinary academic hospital

Beyond companion animal care, veterinarians play a critical role in livestock production systems, disease surveillance, food safety assurance and animal welfare. Their work extends into abattoirs, laboratories, research institutions and policy environments, often behind the scenes, but fundamental to keeping the agricultural system functioning.

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Veterinarians are Central to the National Response

SAVA argues that the current FMD situation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and the broader public to better understand the profession’s true value. Although FMD does not infect humans, its knock-on effects ripple across the economy, affecting production, disrupting supply chains and placing pressure on food security.

In this context, veterinarians are not peripheral to the national response, they are central to it. Their expertise underpins disease control strategies, supports compliance with international animal health standards and helps maintain market confidence in South African livestock and animal products.

“Veterinary expertise is essential when the country is dealing with animal disease threats that affect production, movement, biosecurity and market confidence,” said Majokweni.

“If South Africa is serious about protecting its livestock industry, securing its food systems and strengthening agricultural resilience, then it must recognise and support the role of veterinarians accordingly.”

Also read: FMD: ‘The virus does not care about factions or blame-shifting’

The Importance of World Veterinary Day

SAVA further stresses that World Veterinary Day should not be treated as a symbolic occasion only, but as an opportunity to spotlight the profession’s broader contribution to society and the economy. From farms and feedlots to clinics and export certification systems, veterinarians operate at the intersection of animal health, food safety and public wellbeing.

Aligned with the global message from the World Veterinary Association, SAVA is calling for greater investment in veterinary services, improved working conditions and stronger institutional support for the profession. Without sustained support, the country risks weakening its ability to respond to animal health threats, with direct consequences for food security, rural livelihoods and economic stability.

As the 2026 theme makes clear, veterinarians are not only caregivers of animals, they are guardians of the systems that sustain both agriculture and human health.