National Department of Agriculture. Chief Directorate Veterinary Services and Livestock Improvement

Transcription

1 National Department of Agriculture Chief Directorate Veterinary Services and Livestock Improvement ANNUAL REPORT 1 APRIL 1996 TO 31 MARCH 1997

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ANIMAL HEALTH...3 INTRODUCTION...3 CONTROLLED AND NOTIFIABLE DISEASES IN SOUTH AFRICA...4 ANIMAL DISEASES...6 DISEASES OF POULTRY AND OSTRICHES...17 SUMMARY OF THE INCIDENCE OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES REPORTED IN SOUTH AFRICA...20 IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL...22 INTERNATIONAL LIAISON...25 ANIMAL NUMBERS IN SOUTH AFRICA...26 ADDRESSES OF NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS OF VETERINARY SERVICES...27 VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH...29 INTRODUCTION...29 LEGISLATION...29 FOOD HYGIENE...30 ABATTOIRS...30 EXPORT AND IMPORT OF MEAT...31 RESIDUE...34 PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES...36 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS...37 DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING ABATTOIR HYGIENE...38 CONGRESSES AND SYMPOSIA ATTENDED...39 INTERNATIONAL LIAISON...40 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION INPUTS...41 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RESOURCES...41 LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT AND IDENTIFICATION...43 ONDERSTEPOORT BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS...47

3 ANIMAL HEALTH INTRODUCTION The main objectives of veterinary services in South Africa are to control and prevent notifiable and zoonotic diseases and to improve animal health. National and provincial veterinary structures of veterinary services were implemented during the year under review. The National Directorate Animal Health is responsible for imports, exports and border control, as well as to set, monitor and audit norms and standards of veterinary services in the country. The provincial veterinary services are more concerned with aspects relating to the delivery of services. A committee, the Interprovincial Technical Committee for Agriculture on Veterinary Matters, has been formed and provides a forum on which Veterinary policy and other matters can be discussed and uniform measures can be implemented countrywide. Financial constraints hampered activities in most provinces. A large part of the budget was allocated for communities previously neglected as far as veterinary services are concerned. Disease reporting in general in the country is unsatisfactory, resulting in the underreporting of most diseases and causing unreliable statistics. In some

4 provinces great emphasis is placed on supplying information and carrying out extension work to create veterinary and disease awareness among the general public. resulting in flood damages in some areas. No disease epidemics were reported during the year under review and there were no outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease or African Swine Fever. Good rains fell over most parts of the country, The rains created the ideal habitat and circumstances for the proliferation of insect and tick-borne diseases, as well as internal and external parasitic conditions. Outbreaks of redwater, anaplasmosis, heartwater, ephemeral fever and coccidiosis were just some of the diseases which affected thousands of livestock during the year under review. The incidence of bovine Tuberculosis continued to increase in the buffalo populations in the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserves in KwaZulu-Natal. Indications are that the disease spread to buffalo populations in the northern half of the Kruger National Park. Sporadic cases were also diagnosed in kudu, lion and baboon. Johne s disease (paratuberculosis) and African Horsesickness were proclaimed as controlled diseases according to the Animal Disease Act in the Government Gazette of 6 February A survey on Johne s disease was launched in Merino stud flocks to determine the spread of the disease. In the case of sheep the main problem is in the Western Cape Province. An outbreak of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever occurred at an ostrich abattoir in the Oudtshoorn district in the Western Cape. It created much confusion before it was clarified by the positive actions taken by both national and provincial veterinary services. The Gauteng Province developed a multipurpose unit to be used for extension, training and clinical services, during campaigns, farmers days, exhibitions, etc and to facilitate welfare services, especially in communities previously neglected by veterinary services. CONTROLLED AND NOTIFIABLE DISEASES IN SOUTH AFRICA Controlled diseases Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Swing Vescular Disease*, Rinderpest*, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia*, African Horsesickness, African Swine fever, Hog Cholera*, Newcastle Disease, Anthrax, Aujeszky s Disease*, Rabies, Paratuberculosis (Johne s Disease), Nagana (Trypanosomiasis), Salmonella Enteriditis, Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Corridor Disease, Scrapie, Sheep-Scab, Contagious Equine Metritis*, Glanders*, East Coast Fever*, Dourine, Psittacosis, Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia

5 (VHS)*, Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN)*, Bacterial Kidney Disease (Renibacteriosis)* and Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis*. * These diseases do not occur in South Africa. Controlled diseases which have been eradicated The year of eradication is shown in brackets. Rinderpest (1904), Hog Cholera (1918), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (1924), Glanders (1930), East Coast Fever (1954), Equine Infectious Anaemia (1955) and Scrapie (1972). Controlled diseases which have not yet been eradicated These are controlled diseases according to the Animal Disease Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) which are not yet eradicated but are being controlled actively. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (last outbreak in domestic animals in 1983), African Swine Fever, Newcastle Disease, Rabies, Bovine Brucellosis (Brucella abortus), Bovine Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis), Psittacosis and Ornithosis, Corridor Disease, Sheep-Scab, Anthrax, Dourine, Nagana (trypanosomiasis) (Trypanosoma congolense) and SALMONELLA Enteritidis. Diseases not occurring in South Africa, but regarded as controlled diseases These diseases are regarded as controlled diseases according to the Animal Disease Act, Contagious Equine Metritis, Aujeszky s Disease and Swine Vesicular Disease.

6 Note the following: Any disease which does not occur in South Africa, is regarded as a controlled disease. All the OIE List-A diseases are controlled, except Blue Tongue, Rift Valley Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease; these are notifiable diseases. Not all the controlled diseases in South Africa are necessarily OIE List-A diseases, for example Rabies, Tuberculosis, etc. All controlled diseases are notifiable. Not all the notifiable diseases are controlled diseases. Notifiable diseases Lumpy Skin Disease, Rift Valley Fever, Blue Tongue and Swine Erysipelas. ANIMAL DISEASES Foot-and-Mouth Disease No outbreaks of the disease occurred during the year under review. During 1996 South Africa became the first country infected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to obtain an FMD-free zone (without vaccination) according to the provisions of the OIE s International Animal Health Code. This newly acquired status will benefit exporters of animals, animal products and other agricultural products because 95% of the country lies within the disease-free zone. The Kruger National Park and adjoining private game reserves where FMD carrier buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are kept, remain the only epidemic FMD area in the country. The last outbreak in the Kruger National Park was in No outbreaks have occurred in the FMD controlled area (see map) adjacent to the Park since 1983, while the last outbreak in the disease-free zone occurred in Control of the disease in the declared controlled area depends on three collaborative actions, namely: inspection of all livestock at short intervals (7-28 days) strict movement control of susceptible animals and their products (domestic and game) into, from or within the controlled area vaccination of cattle and small stock twice a year in the area of approximately 10 to 15 km wide along the borders of the Kruger National Park.

7 The upgrading and electrification of the Kruger National Park fence is in progress and should be completed by the end of the existing fence is 35 years old and in a poor condition. Applied research by the Skukuza Laboratory and State Veterinary Office in the Kruger National Park Inoculation of buffalo calves against FMD A pilot study was undertaken to determine whether it is possible to protect buffalo calves in a free ranging herd from FMD by inoculating them during the first few months of life, followed by a booster vaccination after a further three months. The vaccinated calves would be naturally and frequently challenged by FMD viruses periodically cycling through the buffalo herd, which would give a good indication of the efficacy of the vaccine. Ten buffalo calves in the Mala Mala herd in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve were vaccinated and sampled at between two and four months of age. At this time they were found to have high levels of maternally derived antibodies and were free of infection with FMD virus.

8 The calves were bled and sampled again two to three months later, at the time of administering the booster inoculation. Of the eight surviving vaccinates, six animals had become infected with SAT 1 virus, although a single control cohort and two vaccinates had not become infected. This infection must have taken place int eh presence of significant numbers of antibodies because the blood drawn on the day of sampling still had high titres (SAT 2 and 3). These results indicate that vaccination with high antigen payload polyvalent vaccines given according to the regimen used, failed to protect buffalo calves in infected herds from infection with FMD virus. Foot-and-Mouth Disease in giraffe Four out of six young giraffe (Giraffe cameloparadalis) captured were artificially infected with the SAT 2 virus in an attempt to elucidate certain epidemiological aspects of FMD in this species and to determine cut-off points for interpreting serological results. All four artificially infected giraffe developed interdigital lesions from day four post infection. The two infected females also developed lesion on the vulva lips. Significant numbers of the virus were isolated from the lesions, saliva and from faeces. No horizontal transmission took place to the two in-contact controls, which did not even sero-convert. In a similar previous trial, in which the SAT 1 strain was used, horizontal transmission could be demonstrated. Impala tissue for culturing FMD virus The Onderstepoort Institute for Exotic Diseases succeeded in growing cell culture lines from the kidneys and thyroids of impala (Aepyceros melamputs) lambs and foetuses. This is an important breakthrough because many of the impala-derived FMD viruses fail to grow, or grow very slowly on traditional calf or pig-derived cell lines. Tuberculosis A total number of herds of cattle, comprising head of cattle, were tested for tuberculosis during the year under review. Three cattle in three herds tested positive on the intradermal tuberculin test for bovine tuberculosis and were slaughtered. The progress of the tuberculosis eradication scheme was hampered by severe staff and vehicle shortages, the higher priority given to the control of other diseases, such as brucellosis, sheep-scab, paratuberculosis, as well as problems experienced with funding and the availability of tuberculin. The number of tuberculin tests performed by private veterinary practitioners declined mainly as a result of the reluctance of dairy farmers to have their animals tested regularly at their own cost, and because of dairy farmers changing to beef production. Greater attention has been given to the inclusion of communal areas in the tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes. The main problems experienced in communal areas were the lack of interest from communal farmers because according to them they do not drive direct benefits and tuberculosis and brucellosis

9 in cattle are not regarded as a threat to the communal livestock farming. The future success of these programmes will depend on active extension from the veterinary services and active community participation. The lack of proper handling facilities also played an important role in the problems experienced. In a number of communal areas farmers started organising themselves into farmers unions and formal contact between Veterinary Services and these unions was established. This resulted in extension and training of stock owners and the testing of animals for brucellosis and tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is regularly diagnosed in buffalo in the southern part of the Kruger National Park. Recent finding in the Park confirmed a severe outbreak of tuberculosis in a troop of baboons and also provided evidence of tuberculosis in kudu, lion, cheetah and other game. Tuberculosis was diagnosed for the first time in the northern part of the Kruger National Park north of the Olifants River, in buffalo (Syncerus caffer). This spread apparently occurred relatively small. Another interesting observation is that, as the herd prevalence rate increased, infection rates in yearlings and calves also increased. In previous surveys of low to medium prevalence herds, tuberculosis lesions were rarely found in yearlings and calves. Since the first case of bovine tuberculosis was confirmed in a baboon in December 1995, a total of 50 baboons from the so-called train bridge troop near the Skukuza rest camp in the Park, have been sampled of which 17 were positive. The lesions were found in various organs, including head lymph nodes, lungs, thoracic lymph nodes, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, kidney, inguinal lymph nodes, mammary gland, heart, and vertebrae. In general, the disease appears to be rapidly progressive in baboons, and a six-month old male had generalised lesions, including tuberculosis osteomyelitis of the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Two animals captured in the Skukuza rest camp had terminal disease and would not have survived for more than a few hours. No tuberculosis was found in baboons sampled from other surrounding troops. Since the closure of the train bridge pump house in which the train bridge troop used to sleep, no further positive cases have been diagnosed in the last 15 animals sampled from this troop. Tuberculosis in buffalo was also reported from the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Rom the 260 buffalo culled 22 were found to be positive on post-mortem examination, and out of a total of 272 buffalo captured and tested for tuberculosis, 64 were found to be positive. The buffalo were tested with the intradermal tuberculin test and the gamma (γ)-interferon test. Bovine Brucellosis A total number of herds of cattle were tested for Brucellosis during the year under review and animals in 926 hers were found to be positive. As with Tuberculosis, a decrease in the number of herds tested for Brucellosis was experienced because of the same reasons mentioned under the bovine Tuberculosis section.

10 The reluctance of milk buyers to collect bulk milk samples for regular milk-ring test monitoring for Brucellosis, was reflected in the lack of progress in the Brucellosis eradication scheme. There is an imminent increase in the prevalence of Brucellosis, especially because the vaccination of heifers with strain 19 vaccine has not been receiving due priority. The disease situation in communal herds is relatively unknown and the disease is difficult to control in herds where the animals are not individually numbered, where the herds are unfenced and where the level of awareness is low. Factors limiting progress in the Brucellosis eradication scheme in commercial farming areas include the following: lack of personnel the scheme is not compulsory and therefore farmers are not interested in taking part not enough labourers on farms to assist in the collection of samples (in commercial maize farming areas little participation from farming communities during the harvesting season) administrative problems caused by the restructuring efforts in the provinces.

11 Brucella melitensis (Malta fever) No outbreaks of the disease have been reported during the year under review. Surveys for the presence of the disease have been done along the border between South Africa and Swaziland. Efforts have been extended into Swaziland as officials from KwaZulu-Natal Province s Veterinary Services held a symposium at Malkerns in Swaziland for the Swazi Veterinary Department on the control of Brucella melitensis. The importance of this exercise cannot be overemphasised because it will be futile to eradicate the disease in KwaZulu-Natal when infected animals are reintroduced across the borders. Swaziland has assured South Africa officials that they are intent on eradicating the disease in their country. Rabies A 39% decrease in the number of animal rabies cases (460 total cases, 224 dogs) was recorded during 1996/97, compared to the previous year s record figure of 751 cases (445 dogs). This decline in Rabies prevalence can be mainly attributed to improved control measures effected in KwaZulu-Natal where the number of cases decreased from 392 (358 dogs) in 1995/96 to 167 (142 dogs) in 1996/97. During the previous year an extensive vaccination campaign proved largely unsuccessful, mainly because of the rapid turnover of the dog populations in peri-urban and rural areas. The Directorate Veterinary Services in the province adjusted its focus to known rabies problem areas and targeted these, often carrying out three or four

12 vaccination campaigns in the same area within a year. Fewer campaigns wee conducted in the urban areas, where the dogs were generally restricted in their movement and where, because of a longer life-expectancy, a larger population of rabies immune animals has built up. Therefore, although the actual number of dog vaccination actually decreased slightly, the number of well-targeted vaccinations increased markedly. The distribution of all rabies cases was very similar to that of the previous year under review, although there was evidence of canine rabies spreading north and southwards. A slight increase in rabies certain areas of Mpumalanga, where both the viverrid and canid strains of the virus were identified, is cause for concern and stresses the need to apply different approaches in controlling the disease, based on the source (vector) of infection.

13 Animal species involved in rabies outbreaks Wild animals 32% Bovine 19% Feline 2% Other domestic animals 2% Canine 45% Anthrax Five outbreaks were diagnosed. One outbreak occurred in the endemic Pafuri area of the Kruger National Park, one in the North West Province and three in the Northern Cape Province. The animal species which were involved in outbreaks during the year include sheep, goats, horses, kudu, elephants and impala. Routine surveillance was done

14 throughout the Kruger National Park. Only an elephant cow and two impala were found to be positive. In the Northern Cape Province Anthrax was confirmed in kudu and goats. Extension campaigns wee launched in communal areas in conjunction with the Department of Health, which included the distribution of information pamphlets and the showing of videos and colour slides during farmers days. The ignorance and lack of knowledge in communal areas are demonstrated by the following incident in the North West Province: an enlarged spleen of a sheep was submitted to a state veterinarian in February 1997 with a report of sheep, goats and horses dying since December An outbreak of Anthrax was confirmed with subsequent follow-up vaccination programmes and information campaigns to educate communal communities about the dangers of the disease. Sheep-scab Sheep-scab remains a major problem in the sheep producing areas. Farmers fail to report the disease and treat animals themselves. Communal farming areas bordering on commercial farming areas are a great source of infection. Poor control exists in some communal areas because of the shortage of experienced personnel and a lack of cooperation from stock owners. It is reported from the Eastern Cape Province that the disease is endemic in the former Ciskei. Control efforts were hampered by heavy rains in the early summer months and the inability of the Province to acquire chemicals for dipping. In the Free State Province nonwoolled sheep appear to be an important source of sheep-scab. Infected cases are difficult to detect in nonwoolled sheep and this is one of the reasons for the long latent period between exposure and the reporting of the first clinical signs therefore only a few outbreaks are being reported. Number of Outbreaks /94 94/95 95/96 96/97 Year Reported outbreaks of sheep-scab, 1993 to 1997 Nonwoolled sheep frequently move through fences to neighbouring flocks and transmit the disease. In contrast, a short latent phase is experienced in woolled sheep, and because farmers are dependent on wool production, outbreaks are reported sooner. Important control measures for sheep-scab suggested by the Free State Province are: regular suggested to monitor the presence of infected herds;

15 official supervision over the treatment of infected herds; all new introductions of sheep in the herd should be regarded as potentially infected and treated with an effective drug; proposing to sheep farmers to rather purchase sheep from woolproducing areas; identification of the wool and nonwool producing areas by means of proper surveillance. The Western Cape Province decided to adopt a policy to treat all animals under official supervision because of the constant reoccurrence of outbreaks despite follow-up treatments. Treating animals on in-contact farms is also regarded as important. Discussions were held with the National Wool Growers Association and several farmers unions to ensure better cooperation and control in the future. African Horsesickness African horsesickness was one of the seriously underreported disease in South Africa as it was insignificant in the past. The recent African hosresickness zoning in the Western Cape Province has put new emphasis on the disease and the importance of virus typing. The Olympic bid of South Africa and the exportation of horses to the European Union (EU) depend on accurate figures. African hosresickness was proclaimed a controlled animal disease in the Government Gazette of 6 February 1997, making vaccination of all equines compulsory. A concerted effort will be made to request all veterinarians in private practice to report cases and to confirm diagnoses. After months of negotiations, an agreement was reached on 12 December 1996 in Brussels with the Commission of the EU on a protocol for the importation of registered horses into the EU. The legislation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union, Volume 40, of 7 January At ground level veterinary services had to solve the myriad of technical problems which emerged. Other horse owners feigned ignorance and moved horses at will. The Jockey Club has agreed to second one of their senior stipendary stewards to veterinary services. This helped to alleviate the pressure on technicians. Although vaccination is compulsory, horses in the free and surveillance zones may only be inoculated against African hosresickness with the written permission of the Directorate Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Province.

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17 Johne s disease The disease took on a new dimension this year when the National Wool Growers Association appealed to the National Directorate Animal Health to declare Johne s disease a controlled animal disease and to allocate funds for research, diagnostic procedures and eradication. From January 1996 a generalised survey among especially Merino stud breeders took place to determine as accurately as possible the true prevalence of the disease in sheep. The first case of the disease in sheep in South Africa was confirmed at the Nooitgedacht Agricultural Research Station near Ermelo in the Mpumalanga Province in In the Western Cape Province a survey was launched to monitor all stud farms and commercial flocks of more than 300 sheep. Blood samples were collected from emaciated sheep, older animals (two years and older), and sheep showing diarrhoea. These animals were selected by either the state veterinarian or animal health technician who visited the herd. Ninety sheep per flock were selected and identified with an eartag when necessary and then bled. Blood samples were subjected to the AGID (agar gel immunodiffusion) test against Johnin antigen. The antigen had to be imported from the United States of America at great cost. Sheep showing a positive reaction were slaughtered at previously identified abattoirs where state veterinarians performed a complete post-mortem. This assisted with the assessment of the correlation of the blood test to clinical signs of the disease. Backtracking and forward-tracking were instituted from every positive flock. This was very time consuming. Positive flocks were quarantined. Sheep could only be slaughtered on the strength of a Red Cross permit. More than 50% of all flocks were tested. An interesting finding was made when solid acidity was correlated with the locality of positive farms. With one or two exceptions, all positive farms were located within or bordered on the acid soil areas. A draft control plan was unanimously adopted at a meeting of the Western Cape Task Team for Johne s Disease. Forty-seven farms were diagnosed positive in the Western Cape Province. In the Free State Province and in the Eastern Cape Province two farms in each province tested positive for the disease. No cases were diagnosed in the other provinces. Johne s disease was declared a controlled animal disease in February DISEASES OF POULTRY AND OSTRICHES Newcastle disease has continued to be the most important controlled poultry disease during the year. The commercial sector of the poultry industry has paid more attention to immunisation programmes. In some provinces no outbreaks on commercial farms were reported. Outbreaks were, however, confirmed in the following provinces: Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northern, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and the Northern Cape. The disease occurred in chickens, ostriches and also in penguins at the SANCCOB penguin facility at Rietvlei near Cape Town. One case of paramyxovirus infection in racing pigeons was reported in KwaZulu-Natal

18 The underreporting of Newcastle disease constitutes a serious problem and control measures during outbreaks need attention. Vaccination campaigns were undertaken, especially in the Eastern Cape Province. Only a few of the Newcastle disease outbreaks reported, involved ostriches. These outbreaks occurred in the Free State, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. Salmonella Enteritidis infection The voluntary monitoring and control scheme for breeder flocks, which is operated through the KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute and the Allerton Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, was continued during the year. A total of specimens were examined at the laboratory. This scheme allows for the early detection of the disease in newly placed parent stock and subsequent monitoring of the status of these flocks during their production cycle, therefore helping to ensure a supply of disease-free commercial stock. The only cases of Salmonella Enteritidis infection which were reported, were from the Humansdorp district in the Eastern Cape Province, and the Ceres district in the Western Cape Province. Viral diseases Viral diseases reported in poultry included Gumboro disease, egg drop syndrome, epidemic tremor, fowl pox and Marek s disease. Gumboro disease occurred fairly widely and often in the subclinical form which led to immune-suppression and secondary Escherichia coli infections. Bacterial diseases Infectious coryza remains the most important bacterial disease in layers and breeders and several outbreaks were reported during the year. Escherichia coli septicaemia is still one of the most important problems in the broiler industry. The disease sometimes occurs secondary to a viral infection, eg infectious bronchitis or Gumboro disease, but is most often secondary to an environmental or managerial problem such as inadequate ventilation, dust and other forms of stress. Pasteurella multocida infection was not reported in any poultry during the year, but the bacterium was isolated from gannets and cormorants which were submitted to the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory at Stellenbosch after serious mortalities had occurred on Bird Island, Lambert s Bay. Protozoal diseases Coccidiosis was the most important protozoal disease encountered during the year, although only a few cases were reported, mostly in the rural areas. In most cases this was the result of a failure to include a coccidiostat in rations. Paralysis because of Borellia anserina infection, which is transmitted by the Argas persicus tick, occurred in a few small poultry establishments in the North West, Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces.

19 Metabolic diseases Ascites (waterbelly) remains one of the most important problems in broilers, especially in the winter months and areas situated at high altitude. Reports of cases were received from the Mpumalanga Province, Northern Province and the Free State Province. Vitamin E deficiency was reported in broilers in the Northern Province. Other diseases of poultry The mite Aleuroglyplus ovatus, a pest in storage products in the warmer regions of the world, was recorded for the first time in South Africa after a pet shop owner who supplies day-old chicks to small farmers around Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province, lost 50% of batches of chicks received from his supplier. The chicks became listless and showed dyspnoea after feeding on contaminated feed. Poisoning Several cases of poisoning, especially in wild birds were reported. These included one case of organic phosphate monocrotophos (Nuvacron) in whitefaced ducks in the Northern Province, chlorinated hydrocarbon in tame guinea fowl in the Northern Province, salt poisoning and ionophore poisoning in layers and broilers respectively in the North West Province, dichlorvos poisoning in backyard chickens in the Eastern Cape Province and diazinon poisoning in blue cranes in the Bredasdorp district, in waterfowl near Ceres and in guinea fowl in the Caledon district, all in the Western Cape Province. Cases of botulism were also reported in Egyptian geese at an industrial site near Somerset West, in wild birds near Ceres and in ostriches in the Clanwilliam district, all in the Western Cape Province. In the case of the wild birds and the Egyptian geese the intravenous administration of the Type C botulism antiserum led to complete recovery. Other diseases of ostriches Disease problems (other than Newcastle) which were reported in ostriches involved aspergillosis in young chicks, omphalitis, necrotic typhlocolitis of suspected viral aetiology, Salmonella Typhimurium infection in three-month-old ostriches, airsacculitis and pneumonia (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, was isolated) and clostridial airsacculitis. Cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed in one case of cloacal prolapse in the Eastern Cape Province. Several cases of enteritis syndrome and gastric impaction were investigated in this province. Clostridium spp. (Cl. perfringens types A, B and D were isolated). One case of pox virus infection, which was resolved by the administration of an autogenous vaccine, also occurred in ostriches in the Eastern Cape Province. A few cases of ostrich tapeworm infestation (Houttuynia sp.) and Libyostrongylus douglassi (wireworm/vrotmaag) were reported. Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) This disease is not an ostrich disease as such, but could cause disease in humans. Previous serological surveys in cattle and sheep in the Western Cape Province have

20 shown a high prevalence of antibodies to CCHF, varying from 0% in certain herds to 96% in some areas. A limited survey in domestic ostriches indicated an antibody prevalence of 24%. It is therefore surprising that so few cases of CCHF occur in humans. The largest outbreak of the disease reported to date occurred in Oudtshoorn during October Workers at an ostrich abattoir were infected, probably by blood from one or more ostriches in the viraemic stage of the disease. One person died and the abattoir was immediately closed down. Europe banned the importation of ostrich meat from South Africa and the ban was only lifted two months later when scientific proof could be supplied by South Africa that the control programme would preclude the virus from being transmitted via the meat. This outbreak caused a loss of millions of rands to the country s ostrich industry. The control measures applied to reduce the risk of exposure of abattoir workers, include the following. Ostriches destined for slaughter have to be treated with a pyrethroid acaricide at least 14 days (2-6 weeks) prior to slaughter. Treatment is carried out under supervision of authorised vaccinators. The owner must sign a declaration that his birds are free of bontlegged ticks when presented at the abattoir. This will ensure that the ostriches are tickfree for this period and will therefore not be viraemic or have ticks at the time of slaughter. All abattoir workers must wear protective clothing and gloves. Impregnation of protective clothing of workers with a pyrethroid which has been developed for this purpose, will be considered. All vaccine for se in humans or animals is not available at this stage. SUMMARY OF THE INCIDENCE OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES REPORTED IN SOUTH AFRICA Disease Number of outbreaks reported Number of cases reported Antinobacillus (Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae) 1 10 Actinomycosis 5 9 African horsesickness Anaplasmosis Anthrax Aujeszky s disease 0 0 Avian infectious bronchitis 1 10 Avian salmonellosis 1 40 Avian spirochaetosis 1 22 Babesiosis (redwater) Benign bovine theileriosis 1 6 Blackquarter Blackleg 1 1 Bluetongue Botulism Bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) Bovine genital campylobacteriasis Bovine malignant catarrh Bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) Brucella ovis infection Canine distemper 28 44

21 Disease Number of outbreaks reported Number of cases reported Caprine and ovine brucellosis (Brucella melitensis) 4 27 Caseous lymphdenitis Coccidiosis Contagious ophthalmia 3 3 Contagious pustular dermatitis Cysticercosis (Cysticercus bovis) Cysticercosis (C. cellulosae) Dermatophilosis Distomatosis (liver fluke) 1 1 Dourine Echinococcosis/hydatidosis 3 13 Enterotoxaemia Enzootic abortion of ewes 1 96 Enzootic bovine leucosis Epizootic lymphangitis 1 4 Equine babesiosis (equine piroplasmosis) Equine influenza (type A virus) 1 1 Filariasis 6 98 Foot rot Fowl pox 1 15 Goat mange Gumboro disease (infectious bursal disease) Haemorrhagic septicaemia 1 27 Heartwater Horse manage 0 2 Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR/IPV) Infectious coryza 4 84 Intestinal Salmonella infections 2 3 Leptospirosis Lumpy-skin disease Maedi-visna 0 4 Marek s disease Mastitis Melioidosis 1 3 Mucosal disease/bovine virus diarrhoea Mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma gallisepticum) 1 1 Newcastle disease Other clostridial infections Other pasteurelloses Paratuberculosis (Johne s disease) Psittacosis and ornithosis 4 8 Pulmonary adenomatosis (jaagsiekte) 0 50 Q fever Rabies Salmonella Enteritidis 1 1

22 Disease Number of outbreaks reported Number of cases reported Salmonellosis (Salmonella abortus equi) 2 7 Sheep-scab Swine erysipelas Theileriosis 2 3 Toxoplasmosis 1 1 Trichomoniasis Trypanosomiasis IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL An intensive drive was concluded during the year regarding the export of horses from the country. Approval and protocols were concluded for the export of horses to the European Union and Hong Kong. Protocols will also be negotiated with China, Malaysia, Singapore, Malawi and later Australia. A new export drive resulted in the approval of ten dairy export facilities, one of which is approved by the European Union. The importation of live pigs continued and resulted in three privately approved quarantine stations currently being approved (six months quarantine). Impregnation of protective clothing of workers with a pyrethroid which has been developed for Animals/products Total

23 Animals/products Total Dogs Cats 715 Cattle Horses 361 Sheep and goats 6 Pigs 67 Rodents 95 Reptiles 36 Carnivorous game 69 Herbivorous game 164 Birds Gallinaceous birds Day-old chicks/ducks Nonhuman primates 33 Crocodiles Trout ova Semen (doses) Bovine Ovine 105 Horse 96 Pig Dog 30 Embryos Bovine 480 Animal products (kg) Pork/pork products Mutton/mutton products Poultry/poultry products Veal Offal/offal products Animal fat Venison Biltong Meat products Crocodile meat Carcasses Other (kg) Dairy products Veterinary drugs Hides/skins Casings Wool Animal feed/supplement Animal bristle Pet food Feathers Bonemeal Trophies Biological products for all species (ml) 308 Vaccines (doses) Antigens (ml) Tuberculin (doses) Test kits (units) Serum (ml) 594 Eggs (SPF) Miscellaneous Isolates Cultures 112

24 Animals/products Total FSH (doses) 12 Illegal imports Number of consignments 243 The following animals and animal products were exported from South Africa: Products Total Animal feed (t) Beef (kg) Bile (drums) 5 Bile (kg) 271 Birds Canned products Casings Cats 751 Cattle Crocodile meat (kg) Dairy products (kg) Dogs Egg powder (kg) Eggs (doz) Embryos Feathers (other) Fish (kg) Fishes 166 Game 737 Gnower 86 Hides and skins Horns Horse meat Horses 321 Meat (kg) Medicine (kg) Medicine (1) 54 Mongoose 6 Mutton (kg) Offal (kg) Ostrich carcasses Ostrich eggs Ostrich eggs (kg) 164 Ostrich feathers (kg) Ostrich meat (kg) Ostriches (live) 269 Other birds Pigs Porcupine quills 100 Pork (kg) Poultry Poultry meat (kg) Primates 81 Processed meat (kg) 6 228

25 Products Total Rabbits 51 Reptiles Semen (straws) Sheep and goats Tail ends Trophies Wool INTERNATIONAL LIAISON Twelve officials from the National Directorate of Animal Health, as well as from the Provincial Veterinary Services in South Africa, paid visits to 18 countries. Purpose of visits Attendance of the meeting of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and visits to veterinary authorities. Inspection of a chicken hatchery. Attendance of a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) meeting. Future bilateral cooperation meeting. Attendance of a Southern African Regional Council for the Conservation and Utilisation of the Soil (SARCCUS) meeting. Attendance of an animal health course. Attendance of a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Technical Consultation meeting. Attendance of an RTTCP meeting. Inspection of abattoirs and disease control measures. Attendance of a risk analysis and animal health training course. Discussions with veterinary authorities. Inspection of facilities for vaccine and antibiotic manufacturers. Negotiations with the European Union regarding conditions for the exportation of horses. Attendance of the Australasia Regional Conference on Contingency Planning. Attendance of the SEARG conference.

26 Attendance of a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Subcommittee on Animal and Public Health meeting. Countries visited Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Botswana, France, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Zambia. ANIMAL NUMBERS IN SOUTH AFRICA The figures of the animal numbers in South Africa as quoted here were supplied by the Veterinary Services of the different provinces.

27 Animal numbers Province Cattle Sheep Goats Horses Donkeys and mules Mpumalanga Gauteng * ** Northern Province ** North West Free State KwaZulu-Natal * ** Eastern Cape Western Cape Northern Cape Total * The figures for goats are included in the figures given for sheep ** The figures for donkeys and mules are included in the figures given for horse ADDRESSES OF NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL DIRECTORS OF VETERINARY SERVICES National Directorate of Animal Health Director Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X138 PRETORIA 0001 Tel: (012) / (012) / (012) Fax: (012) Pigs Dogs Mpumalanga Provincial Director Gauteng Provincial Director Director: Veterinary Services Director: Veterinary Services Mpumalanga Gauteng Province Private Bag X11219 Private Bag X369 NELSPRUIT 1200 PRETORIA 0001 Tel: (013) / (013) Tel: (012) Fax: (013) Fax: (012) Northern Province Provincial Director North West Province Provincial Director Director: Veterinary Services Northern Province Private Bag X9379 PIETERSBURG 0700 Director: Veterinary Services Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs North West Province Private Bag X2093 Tel: (0152) MMABATHO 2735 Fax: (0152) / (0152) Tel: (0140)

28 Fax: (0140) Free State Provincial Director KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Director Director: Veterinary Services Director: Veterinary Services Free State Province KwaZulu-Natal Province P.O. Box 502 Private Bag X2 BLOEMFONTEIN 9300 CASCADES 3202 Tel: (051) Tel: (0331) / (0331) Fax: (051) Fax: (0331) Eastern Cape Provincial Director Northern Cape Provincial Director Director: Veterinary Services Director: Veterinary Services Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs Northern Cape Province Private Bag X0040 Private Bag X6005 BISHO 5605 KIMBERLEY 8300 Tel: (0401) Tel: (0531) Fax: (0401) Fax: (0531) Western Cape Provincial Director Director: Veterinary Services Western Cape Province Private Bag X1 ELSENBURG 7607 Tel: (021) Fax: (021)

29 VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH INTRODUCTION The Abattoir Hygiene Act makes provision for the maintenance of proper standards of hygiene during the slaughtering of animals for the purpose of obtaining suitable meat for human consumption, and in the handling, keeping and conveying of such meat to the butchery. It also secures the right in terms of the constitution to practise a trade (for example in the meat industry), occupation or profession but it makes provision that such practices may be regulated by law, providing the rules for the consumer and the industry to achieve the progressive realisation of each of these rights. Abattoirs have to comply with certain requirements regarding the outlay, structure, equipment and other facilities provided at approved abattoirs. The Act also makes provision that meat can only be imported if an import permit is issued by the Director: Veterinary Public Health. Achieving household, provincial and national food security in South Africa is not only a challenge to produce sufficient and safe food for all, but to ensure that all people have access to adequate, safe and nutritious food at all times. This requires a holistic team approach, involving many role-players eg communities, traders, nongovernment organisations and different departments at all tiers of government. The Directorate Veterinary Public Health (VPH) has the vision to fulfil its role in community development, though not as a deliverer of services at grassroots, but as facilitator and coordinator. As the custodian of meat hygiene norms and standards for the country this Directorate has to liaise very closely with al departments, the provinces and local authorities, importers, exporters and international organisations. The goals set by the Directorate for the year were to: Provide an export certification service for the export of meat, contributing in this way to the country s economic growth Facilitate cooperation with the provincial veterinary services in delivering services to the community Provide technical assistance to the provinces in maintaining norms and standards at abattoirs Improving skills and knowledge of designated persons involved in maintaining hygiene in food production of animal origin Provide an efficient service for the control of meat imports Continue with an information dissemination initiative countrywide. LEGISLATION Promulgation of the new Meat Hygiene Bill which was announced in the previous annual report, was put on hold pending the outcome of a new consultation process which was initiated by the Animal Health and Livestock Production Policy Working Group appointed by the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs.

30 FOOD HYGIENE The Directorate was involved with the arrangements and conducting of a national milk quality forum in June 1996 in Pretoria. A mutual desire was expressed by many role-players eg the Milk Board, the Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, the Department of Health and local authorities to put the facts of Good, safe milk a constitutional right to the test. The Directorate contributed to the organisation and planning of the programme. Milk hygiene, as with any other food, is an important link in primary health care. Even though legislation on milk hygiene is at present administered by the Department of Health and delegated to local authorities, Veterinary Public Health should be part of the multidisciplinary team. It was confirmed by the forum that every person in the country has the right to good safe milk where he or she needs it. The need for uniform legislation and application was identified and requests were made in this regard. The National Department of Agriculture, together with other role-players, are investigating a new strategy for the delivery of food inspection services in South Africa. ABATTOIRS The geographical distribution of abattoirs in the country is set out in the table below. Ostrich abattoirs are classified as red meat abattoirs and are included in these figures: Gauteng 2 Eastern Cape 4 Western Cape 3 Northern Cape 1 Only 19 red meat abattoirs belong to municipalities while the vast majority of abattoirs belong to the private sector including 10 grade-a abattoirs belonging to ABAKOR. Short-term future In accordance with the provisions of the Abattoir Hygiene Act, design drawings for all new abattoirs or alterations to existing abattoirs must be approved by the National Directorate. An indication of the expected countrywide growth of the abattoir industry can be deduced from the number of drawings which were evaluated for new abattoirs as well as for the upgrading of existing abattoirs: Red meat Local market New abattoirs 39 Upgrading projects 22 Ostrich abattoirs 4

31 Sterilising installations 7 Export market Poultry Export ostrich abattoirs 5 Local market New abattoirs 37 Upgrading projects 8 Sterilising installations 3 Export market None EXPORT AND IMPORT OF MEAT Control over the import and export of meat is a function allocated to the Directorate Veterinary Public Health of the National Department of Agriculture. International liaison and the negotiation of import and export agreements are conducted by the import/export division of the Directorate. Red meat Poultry Rabbit Province A B C D E Total A B C D E D E P P P P P Gauteng Northern North West Free State KwaZulu-Natal Eastern Cape Western Cape Mpumalanga Northern Cape Total Export of meat The Subdirectorate Import and Export Control is responsible for: Negotiations concerning veterinary public health requirements with importing countries. Approval of design drawings for establishments wishing to export meat. Inspection of establishments for export recommendations or approval. Regular inspections of approved export establishments to ensure that they comply with the requirements of importing countries.

32 Hygiene control, meat inspection and export certification at approved export establishments. During the year negotiations with the Veterinary Authorities of Egypt, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates resulted in bilateral agreements on the sanitary standards for the export of meat to these countries. Negotiations with Thailand are still in progress. The export of venison to the European Union (EU) was finally harmonised in February Member states in the EU may authorise the import of fresh meat of wild cloven-hoofed animals and zebra from South Africa. Deboned venison may, however, not enter the European Union countries until at least 21 days after the date of killing. SA Venison, a processing plant for venison, in the Northern Cape, was recently approved to export meat to the EU. The export of ostrich meat to member states in the EU was not harmonised as expected. Exports to member countries in the EU are still based on bilateral agreements between South Africa and the importing countries. It is expected that harmonisation of the poultry directive will be implemented during Six abattoirs and seven deboning plants are approved to export ostrich meat from South Africa to certain member states in the EU. An outbreak of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever at an abattoir in the Western Cape Province caused considerable damage to the ostrich industry in South Africa and Southern Africa as a whole. This viral disease can be transmitted from slaughtered animals, infected with the virus, to humans. Humans occasionally die as a result of this disease. The export of ostrich meat to the EU was banned from November 1996 to February 1997, as a result of the outbreak. Approximately 70% of the ostrich meat exported from South Africa is destined for the EU. The export of ostrich meat to the EU only started again in May 1997 because of time-consuming negotiations with the European Commission. The long delay in the resumption of export caused considerable financial losses to exporters. The resulting directive issued by the European Commission determines that the ostriches must be isolated in rodent protected, tick-free surroundings for at least 14 days prior to slaughter. Before moving to the tick-free surroundings the ostriches must be examined to verify that they are tick-free or they must be dipped to ensure that all the ticks on them are killed. The product used to dip the ostriches must not result in any detectable residue in the meat. Each batch of ostriches must be examined for ticks prior to slaughter and if any ticks are found these must be sent back to the farm of origin. The ostriches must then be isolated and treated for ticks again.

33 The export of products prepared from eat of bovines, pigs, horses, sheep and goats was also harmonised. South Africa is allowed to export certain meat products including biltong from facilities approved for export to the EU. GRAPH Export of meat from South Africa, 1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997 (metric tons) The main export markets for ostrich meat were Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands with smaller quantities being exported to the Far East and Hong Kong. The main export markets for poultry and pork were Namibia and Swaziland. Beef was mainly exported to African states and countries in the Middle East. Exports to neighbouring countries are showing an increase. Import of meat The Directorate is responsible to ensure the safety of meat imported for both human and animal consumption. Frozen and chilled fresh meat may only be imported from foreign abattoirs and cutting plants which have been approved by the Director: Veterinary Public Health in South Africa. The Director: Animal Health must approve the animal health status of a country, before the approval of abattoirs and processing plants can be considered. The following functions are performed by the Subdirectorate Import and Export Control: Negotiations of official veterinary public health agreements with countries wishing to export meat to South Africa. Evaluation of the competency of the foreign veterinary authorities concerned. Initial evaluation of the foreign establishments where the animals will be slaughtered and the meat cut/deboned and packed for export to our country. Inspections of every consignment, including all documentation, arriving at our ports of entry. Preventive measures to combat illegal imports. Routine inspections of foreign establishments exporting large quantities of meat to South Africa or where problems were encountered with import consignments. Ten missions to foreign countries took place during which abattoirs were also inspected for approval for importation into South Africa. Import of meat 1992 to 1997 (metric tons) 1992/93 Product Neighbouring Foreign countries countries Total Red meat Poultry Total

34 1993/94 Product Neighbouring Foreign countries countries Total Red meat Poultry Total /95 Product Neighbouring Foreign countries countries Total Red meat Poultry Total /96 Product Neighbouring Foreign countries countries Total Red meat Poultry Total /97 Product Neighbouring Foreign countries countries Total Red meat Poultry Total Import consignments which were not accepted because of non-compliance with South African standards, 1996/97 Condemnations Consignments Mass (metric tons) Poultry Red meat Total RESIDUE Agricultural chemicals and animal remedies are used extensively to control agricultural pests, animal diseases and parasites. To protect consumer health and to meet market requirements it is necessary to control the use of chemicals in agriculture, for use in plant as well as in animal production. Products should be free of harmful residue. Testing is done for chemical residue in meat of livestock exposed to the following groups of substances: Pesticides Application of pesticides to crops during production can result in pesticide residue in fodder. Pesticides containing organochlorines can persist in the soil for many years and may accumulate in animal tissue. Parasiticides Certain parasiticides are very stable and remain bioactive in tissue for four to six weeks. These drugs are widely used in animal husbandry on farms and feedlots.

35 Antibiotics Antibiotics are used widely in animal husbandry for the treatment of diseases and prophylactically in growing and finishing rations in intensive animal production units. Screening for antibiotic residue in meat is an important part of the monitoring process. Low levels of antibiotics in food can lead to food allergies in the case of people who are allergic to these substances. Analytical methods Through the liaison and help of many experts within the country and internationally the Directorate has access to laboratories with analytical capabilities which are on a par with international standards, for example the European Union. Thyroid, muscle, liver, kidney, fat, urine and blood plasma samples were collected and analysed. Animals from which the samples were collected include cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, ostriches, poultry and a small number of game in the Kruger National Park. In total samples were collected, the results of which will be stored in a computerised geographical information system, developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on a research contract. A contract with the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, for the following three years, was finalised. The aim is to establish a reference laboratory for antibiotic residue in meat, also for the use of neighbouring countries. Technical assistance and support is obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory in the United Kingdom. Residue monitoring in South Africa, 1 April 1996 to 31 March 1997 Lab ref. EU Substance tested Compounds Total animal samples Total Total no. group Beef Pork Equidae samples tests CSIR A 1b Thyrostatics AA 111a Sulfonamides AA 111a Chloramphenicol B 1a Anti-endoparasitic substances B 1a Anti-ectoparasitic organophosphates B11 a+b Contaminants heavy metals B11 a+b Contaminants chlorinated hydrocarbons UOFS A 1a Stilbenes A 1c Other oestrogenic substances Zeranol A 1c Androgenic A 1c substances Gestagenic substances A 11 Natural hormones B 11c Beta agonists Biocon A 1c Gestagenic substances

36 Nitrofurans B 1b Nitrofurans B 1b Beta blockers Carazolol SABS B 1a Anti-endoparasitic substances Nitroxynil VPH A111 Antibiotics Bacillus subtilis Total number of samples Total number of tests performed: Only nine samples (eight bovine trenbolone, an androgenic compound, and one pork for tranquilliser) exceed the maximum residue limit (MRL) as prescribed by law PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITIES For the past year the Directorate continued to implement the programme of educating the public on the advantages of using safe, inspected meat originating from approved abattoirs. The fact that such meat will stay fresh longer if hygienic slaughter methods are used, was also highlighted. This programme is aimed at areas with established outlets but where informal slaughtering still occurs. An informed public will after all be empowered to choose what is best. Methods used by the National Directorate Veterinary Public Health to inform the public on a national scale are the following: Distribution of pamphlets for specific applications (more than ). Informative advertisements on school diaries ( primary secondary school diaries). Articles in selected publications to reach a specific target group (more than households). Informing commuters by means of messages on music tapes played in taxis (Taxinet). Informing commuters through direct contact at kiosks (Taxinet). Random sampling revealed that 48% of those questioned, were aware of a backyard slaughterer in their neighbourhood (June 1996). Exhibitions were held on five occasions at venues of national interest. Preparation of and assistance with information material to be distributed by provincial extension officers. The Provincial Directorates Veterinary Services have adopted similar programmes to suit their particular situations: Establish working relationships with other departments focusing on health issues provincial and local government as well as civic organisations. Distribution of pamphlets to specific target communities. In this regard the Gauteng Province has been creative in designing various pamphlets to reach all levels of the community. Gauteng also utilises industrial theatre techniques to take the message to schools. Exhibiting at provincial agricultural shows. The Free State Province won a gold medal for its exhibition at the Bloemfontein Agricultural Show.

37 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS The Directorate Veterinary Public Health operates within the framework set by current legislation which stipulates that all animals must be slaughtered in approved abattoirs. Approved abattoirs are required to have the services of veterinarians and meat inspectors providing consumers with safe, inspected meat with a good shelflife, bought at established meat outlets. The implications are that any person slaughtering animals in a place which is not an approved abattoir, with the intention of selling the meat, is contravening Act No. 121 of 1992 and is termed an illegal slaughterer. Because of economic and other reasons resulting in inaccessibility of facilities, slaughtering of livestock in places not approved under existing legislation, has increased. In applying the spirit rather than the letter of the law, the Directorate prefers to refer to such cases as informal slaughterings. The typical informal slaughterer will utilise a tree or other available construction to slaughter one or possibly two cattle per week and sell the meat on the spot to the immediate community. This type of slaughtering is found in rural areas and informal settlements where formal meat sources do not exist and may not adversely affect the environment. The National Directorate Veterinary Public Health as well as the Provincial Directorates Veterinary Services, however, will endeavour to improve access and availability of safe meat to all people. Regarding some areas which were previously self governing where a substantial informal meat industry currently exists, the Provincial Directorate Veterinary Services KwaZulu-Natal Province, echoed the proposed National strategy by approaching Veterinary Public Health concerns from a multifaceted point of view, namely: to work in harmony with the local community to provide extension to educate both butcher and consumer to aid in the provision of facilities such as water, etc. to provide expertise in respect of slaughter facility upgrading not to control by way of legislation. As an example, extensive liaison with all the role-players in the industry as well as the communities involved, has brought about a Safe Meat Forum in the Eastern Cape (vicinity of Port Elizabeth) which includes municipal environmental health officers, the South African National Civics Organisation, African National Congress Health Desk as well as communal farmers associations. The aim of the forum is to promote the consumption of safe meat in disadvantaged communities. A similar forum is being promoted near Uitenhage. North West Province has established ties with the provincial Department of Health (Directorate Primary Health Care) to serve on the regional Food Control Committees in order to be closely involved in food safety and primary health care.

38 Among other projects (Info Paks) a basic abattoir was planned with the sponsorship of a local municipality for the KwaNongaba area in the Western Cape. Unfortunately the project did not materialise because of disagreements in the community. Much is to be learned from such experiences and better success may be expected in future with the necessary cooperation of all involved. An association was formed in the community of Nkomazi West, in Mpumalanga, to request assistance from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in building an E8 abattoir in Magogeni. It is hoped that assistance will be received for this project in which the provincial Directorate Veterinary Services will be closely involved. DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING ABATTOIR HYGIENE Constitutionally abattoirs are a provincial matter to be audited in terms of norms and standards set by the National Directorate Veterinary Public Health. Provincial officials are involved in the planning of all new abattoirs while the final evaluation of drawings is done by the Directorate before construction. Construction of all new abattoirs is monitored by provincial officials to ensure adherence to approved drawings and structural standards. All abattoirs are legally registered by the Director: Veterinary Public Health through the issuing of a Certificate of Approval. The daily operation of abattoirs is monitored by the provinces and in this regard the following tendencies can be reported: An increase in smaller abattoirs could not be matched by an increase in full-time meat inspection personnel at these establishments with the result that in many cases part-time meat inspection services are rendered after daily slaughter without monitoring of the actual slaughter process to ensure optimal hygiene. Because of economic factors many small abattoirs cannot employ their own meat inspector and have to make use of part-time services. Although provincial personnel are involved extensively with abattoirs in their regions, the provinces do not have enough officials to monitor daily activities at every abattoir and therefore follow a routine to visit each abattoir periodically. Indications are, probably because of the points mentioned, that hygiene in abattoirs in general is not what it should be. Informal and illegal slaughterers are often unknown to provincial officers and are mostly identified after complaints from the public. Methods to improve the situation are: The training and use of other officers in health-related fields, for example animal health technicians stationed in remote areas to perform regular abattoir inspections and report to Provincial Veterinary Services. A training programme for such officers has been launched in Identity informal slaughterers to provide extension services, training and upgrading. The Gauteng Province for example reported 19 cases of illegal slaughtering, none of which went to court because positive results were attained

39 by this method. In the Eastern Cape illegal slaughterers were persuaded to upgrade their facilities (two red meat, five poultry) to comply with legal standards. Cooperation with the formal meat trade representative bodies with the aim to increase the awareness regarding meat hygiene as well as promoting a sense of self-regulation in the industry. In this regard the KwaZulu-Natal Province as well as Northern Province has participated in an extension programme with the Red Meat Abattoir Association. North West Province has contracted the ARC-Meat Industry Centre at Irene to develop a microbiological programme for the surveillance of abattoirs in that province. Delivery of primary meat inspection services by nongovernment organisations has been effected by the Meat Board in most provinces. The Red Meat Abattoir Association plans a similar service which should be available in CONGRESSES AND SYMPOSIA ATTENDED Name Country Purpose Mr J C du Preez Pretoria All Africa Food Expo Dr A Bekker and Dr S Meyer Western Cape FSIA 10 th Food Science Symposium Safe Food Foor South Africa Symposium Dr A Pretorius Pretoria Seminar on Approaches and Challenges in Rural Poverty Alleviation IFAD Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Ellisras Northern Province ITCA Working Group on Veterinary Services Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Pretoria FAO Workshop on mechanisms and funding of FAO Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Pretoria CHASA Congress-2000 Dr S Meyer City Deep Recycling of abattoir water ABAKOR Dr G Brückner Sandton South African Regional Meeting of the International Meat Secretariat Dr S Meyer Pretoria International Meat Symposium Meat Board (delivered paper for Zimbabwe) Dr S Meyer Pretoria Symposium of the SA Association for Animal Science Dr G Brückner and Dr J J H van Wyk Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Cape Town, Gauteng Kruger National Park USA RSA Binational Commission Sanitary and Phytosanitary Forum ITCA Working Group on Veterinary Services Dr S Meyer Pretoria Agritech 96 Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Pretoria OIE Regional Conference Dr G Brückner and Dr S Meyer Witsieshoek Free State ITCA Working Group on Veterinary Services Dr S Meyer and Mr J du Preez Pretoria SA Police Stock Theft Unit lectures on legislation pertaining to Veterinary Public Health

40 INTERNATIONAL LIAISON Name Country Purpose Dr G K Brückner Zambia SADC meeting Dr S G H Meyer and Dr T van de Venter United Kingdom Ministerial investigation regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy and impact on meat importation from the UK Dr G K Brückner Switzerland, Italy Attendance of the 16 th Intergovernment Meeting and discussions with the agricultural attaché in Geneva Dr G K Brückner Zimbabwe CPA meeting Dr G K Brückner Belgium BSE seminar Dr L Odendaal Israel Veterinary Diagnostic Symposium Mr D P Botes Zimbabwe Inspection of abattoirs Dr J J H van Wyk India Inspection of abattoirs and disease control measures Dr M J Wolhuter Switzerland, Spain Risk analysis and animal health training course Dr J J H van Wyk Botswana Discussions with veterinary authorities Dr G K Brückner Namibia Annual Congress of the Meat Producers Association Dr G K Brückner France, United Kingdom Attendance of the OIE Working Group for Epidemiology, discussions with MAFF regarding BSE Dr G K Brückner India Perform an analysis of risk regarding the status of animal health control measures on invitation of APEDA Mr D P Botes Botswana Evaluation of meat inspectors course Mr J du Preez Mr D P Botes UK, Belgium, The Netherlands Inspection Lobatse abattoir Attend animal welfare course, visit abattoirs Dr S G H Meyer Zimbabwe Attend Codex Alimentarius African Committee Dr S G H Meyer Lesotho Attendance of SARCCUS meeting Dr M J Wolhuter Botswana Attendance of the Botswana Veterinary Association conference Mr H C Joubert Swaziland Inspection of abattoirs Dr L Schoeman Argentina, Uruguay Inspection of abattoirs Dr S G H Meyer and Dr W Raboloa (Mpumalanga) Italy Attendance of FAO technical consultation

41 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION INPUTS The Directorate Agricultural Production Inputs consists of two Subdirectorates, viz. Agricultural Production Resources, and Livestock Improvement and Identification. The Directorate represents the Department at the following international organisations: Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex Committee on Pesticide Residue; Codex Committee on Residue of Veterinary Drugs in Foods). The International Technical Consultation on Veterinary Drug Registration. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RESOURCES The Director: Agricultural Production Inputs, who is also the Registrar of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947), is responsible for the enforcement of this Act. Registration figures for the year under review are as follows: Fertilisers Registration holders 301 New fertilisers registered 616 Number of fertilisers registered Farm feeds Advertisements approved 17 Registration holders 653 New farm feeds registered 678 Number of farm feeds registered Agricultural remedies Registration holders 390 New active ingredients 15 New amendments registered 367 Advertisements approved 32 Remedies registered Stock remedies Registration holders 123 New products registered 161 Advertisements processed 43 Remedies registered Number of registered pest control operators Number of registered sterilising plants registered 65 New sterilising plants registered 4 The inspectorate of the Subdirectorate found 143 deviations from registration particulars during their inspections. This led to 26 successful prosecutions. There is close liaison between the Subdirectorate, organised agriculture and the industry by means of regular meetings with 12 organisations, including the National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO), South African Agricultural Union (SAAU),

42 Crop Protection and Animal Health Association (AVCASA), Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA), and the Fertilizer Society of South Africa. The scheme for the retrieval and disposal of obsolete and redundant pesticides which was planned in conjunction with AVCASA will be implemented in 1997/98. New active ingredients for agricultural and stock remedies are approved in consultation with the Department of Health and the Standing Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Safegaurding man against Poisonous Substances (INDAC) on which various government departments as well as the Agricultural Research Council are represented. The effect of these new active ingredients on human health and the environment is taken into account before final approval is given. Druing 1996/97 INDAC recommended the withdrawal of propham and anzinphos ethyl from the market for toxicological reasons. A number of restrictions have also been placed on all agricultural remedies containing monocrotophos as active ingredient. These recommendations by INDAC were voluntarily accepted by the industry. International liaison Cognizance is also taken of international developments to ensure that legislation as well as policy is in line with international norms. To achieve this the Directorate liaises regularly with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The annual meeting of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residue in The Hague, was attended in April This meeting has special relevance to South Africa because it addresses the problems caused by pesticide residue on food commodities moving in international trade. In December 1996 a representative from the Directorate also attended an Expert Group Meeting on Risk Reduction in Agrochemical Development in the Afro-Arab Region. It was organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). At this meeting the benefits of regional cooperation between countries in the field of pesticides was highlighted and encouraged. Through the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism contributions were also made to the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop a legally binding instrument on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure of the FAO. Pesticides that are banned or severely restricted because of health or environmental reasons are subject to the PIC procedure. No pesticide in these categories should be exported to an importing country participating in the PIC procedure contrary to that country s decision made in accordance with the FAO operational procedures for PIC. Regulatory harmonisation in the region During the year under review, a number of harmonisation initiatives took place. Relevant and ongoing national and international meetings on harmonisation have been held. Officials of the Directorate have also attended international conferences on harmonisation. SEARCH

43 The Southern and Eastern African Regulatory Committee on Harmonisation (SEARCH) was formed in 1996 as a forum to promote harmonisation of the registration and control of agricultural remedies in the region. LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT AND IDENTIFICATION This Subdirectorate is currently made up of three divisions, namely Livestock Improvement, Livestock Identification and Inspection Services. Because the Divisions deal direct with the public, the emphasis is on a client-friendly service at all levels of the animal production sector. In addition, relevant and ongoing regional and international liaison ensures that legislation and services are in line with global norms and standards. The Subdirectorate continued to play a role in animal production matter in the SADC region and currently co-ordinates the SADC Subcommittee for Veld, Animal Production and Marketing. In addition, the Range and Forage Institute of the ARC was encouraged to establish a Veld and Livestock Liaison Committee with the provinces. This should facilitate more effective communication and should ensure that appropriate information and technology is available to all levels of the animal agriculture sector in South Africa. Livestock Improvement Reproduction services During the year under review, the number of registered centres rendering services such as semen and embryo collection increased from 14 to 17. Two of these centres offer artificial insemination services and the other 15 undertake embryo collection and transfer as well as general AI services. The establishment of a South African semen and embryo group with a specialist veterinary group to test and certify operators and centres, promoted international interest in South African farm animal genetic resources as well as the capabilities of the artificial reproduction industry in the country. Donor animals The number of approved donor animals currently stands at 24 bulls, 21 rams and 14 boars. The proposed deregulation of the artificial reproduction industry in the Livestock Improvement Bill should see a marked increase in the use of local genetics, but optional approval could lead to a decrease in the number of certified donors. Reproduction operators

44 Inseminators, semen collectors, embryo collectors and transferors play an important role in modern animal breeding. The certification of these operators ensures that the services rendered by this sector carry basic and essential guarantees. A total of 587 artificial inseminators, four embryo transferors, three inovulators and 71 semen collectors were registered during the year. The figure on the previous page shows the number of reproduction operators registered annually from 1986 to GRAPH Number of reproduction operators registered annually from 1986 to 1996 Artificial insemination has the potential to become a viable factor in the development of the small-scale farming sector, and the Subdirectorate has been encouraging the training of inseminators in this sector. Foreign donors have also shown interest in this particular field. Importation of genetic material During the year under review, semen imports increased from to while embryo imports decreased from to 896. A total of animals were imported for breeding purposes. These included Romagnola cattle from Italy, Simmentaler cattle from Germany and goats selected for cashmere from Australia. Dairy breed semen accounts for most of the imports and there is growing concern about the possible importation of surplus dairy bull semen at prices below those of alternatives which are available locally. GRAPH Semen imports from 1986 to 1996 Fortunately, all imports are certified for genetic soundness and general health. In addition, the introduction of all new breeds of livestock into South Africa must be preceded by a biological impact study. This should prevent the introduction of less suitable and potentially harmful breeds. Breeds which are currently being evaluated include the Chianina and Marchigiana from Italy, the Japanese Wagyu cattle breed and a cashmere goat breed from Australia. The number of doses of semen imported annually over the past 11 years is shown in the figure. General More attention was given to the conservation of South Africa s indigenous and locally developed breeds (landraces). This included provision in the draft Animal Improvement Bill for the declaration of landrace breeds to monitor the exportation as well as the genetic quality of indigenous and locally developed farm animal genetic resources. The Subdirectorate was actively involved in the collection of data and the characterisation of landcare breeds. The Registrar attended an FAO/SADC workshop on the management of farm animal genetic resources, which was

45 arranged as a forerunner to a long-term project in the Southern African region to conserve indigenous livestock resources by means of more effective utilisation. Info Paks on the value of these resources are being prepared to make stock owners in the developing sector aware of the value of their animals and to broaden access to potential local, regional and international markets. The Integrated Registration and Genetic Information System (INTERGIS) which is being developed by the SA Stud Book and Livestock Improvement Association, will enable stock owners to integrate pedigree information with performance (fertility, growth, milk production, milk quality, wool production, feed conversion, etc.) to identify superior animals for breeding and marketing. It was this facility along with the progress which has already been made in South Africa, which led to the FAO and SADC identifying South Africa as the most suitable country to coordinate the regional project. The Namibian Registrar of Livestock Improvement spent a few days studying the computerised registration and permit system developed by the Directorate Efficiency Enhancement Services. Lectures on aspects of livestock improvement were presented at a number of local and regional venues including Medunsa, the Technikon Namibia and Zimbabwe. Organisations included the National Wool Growers conferences, Red Meat Producers conferences and Zimbabwe cattle producers. PIC Bonsmara cattle, a landrace breed which is in international The Subdirectorate also initiated a joint workshop course for SAPS stock theft officers and officials from the provinces on the correct procedures for investigating semen and embryorelated transgressions. landrace breeds. During the year under review, Nguni cattle were exported to Mozambique, Bonsmara embryos to South America and Boer goat embryos to Canada providing further evidence of the popularity of South Africa s hardy The Department has a particular interest in the landcare breed market as the benefits from such a market could flow to all levels and could encourage people in resource-poor areas to farm with the breeds they have often perceived as being inferior. Legislation to lift the embargo on fertile ostriches and hatching eggs was also drafted and submitted. This should see the much maligned ban on exports lifted before the end of 1997.