A three day workshop aimed at acquiring stakeholder’s inputs on veterinary strategy has been concluded in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The Veterinary Strategy Consultation workshop started on the 16th till the 18th of February, was to get inputs from various role players on the strategy that has been drafted to address the gaps identified during the Performance of Veterinary Services analysis.
The Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) analysis, evaluate the veterinary services capabilities at national level using internationally agreed criteria set out in the Office International Epizooties (OIE) Animal Health Code. The workshop was also intended to solicit agreement with the stakeholders on priority actions proposed in the draft veterinary strategy to address identified shortcomings and get proposal on other actions. While the strategy intends to strengthen collaboration between the Province private practitioners, producer industry and the public at large.
Once implemented the strategy will improve the production in the animal sector and identified value chain to a larger extend. It will also assist in improving global market access for animals and animal products. About six critical pillars were identified and these will have a profound impact on the improvements needed. Amongst these critical pillars is the implementation of national identification system and product traceability. Whilst this is critical for disease control, it will also have an impact on stock theft reduction and introduce critical area including improved record keeping.
The workshop was attended by representative from Mostrich, Beefmaster, National Department of Forestry and Fisheries’ Veterinary Services, officials from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s veterinary services, GMP tags and Private Veterinarians. Daff’s Dr Mike Modisane, Dr M Molefe and Dr Moshe Mathosi facilitated the workshop.