The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Veterinary Services will be holding a two day Scientific Workshop in Upington on the 8 and 9 December 2010. The aim of the workshop is to discuss scientific information with officials and further share new approaches to scientific control methods.
The theme for this year’s scientific workshop is “Occupational Zoonoses” which are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans and the high risk category being the occupations within the Veterinary Services.
Amongst topics that will be discussed at the two day workshop are:
• Occupational Zoonoses especially Rift Valley Fever, West Nile Congo, Haemorrhagic fever, Sinnbis and Rabies - will be presented by Special Pathogens Unit Doctor from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).
• The new Rift Valley Fever Vaccine called Clone 13 by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Doctor.
• The Zoonotic parasites by a Representative from Pfizer Animal Health.
Veterinary Science Officers will be expected to do Scientific Presentations on interesting cases and the process will be moderated by a Lecturer from The University of Southern Africa (UNISA). A report back on the Northern Cape Sero-survey done through the South African Field Epidemiology and the Laboratory Programme will also be presented. The report will highlight the risk factors and the categories regarding the 2010 outbreak of Rift Valley Fever.
The workshop will also seek ways to try and comply with the Hazardous Biological Regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong –External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.agrinc.gov.za