Dr Pieter Mulder, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said that climate change has introduced outbreaks of pestilence and diseases which were otherwise a rare occurrence. This statement was made by Dr Mulder on the occasion of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) National Council Seminar on focal points for veterinary products, held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park.
The OIE is the international organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide and South Africa was one of its founder members in 1924.
The South African government places the importance of a healthy nation high on its agenda as animals form a major source of food for the human population. The basic principle in this regard is ensuring a healthy population of livestock.
The government has committed R205 million in support of research and development through the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to ensure that our veterinary products are safe and of good quality. African countries need to stand together to obtain high-quality veterinary medicine, customised to address the needs of the African continent.
The human population has more than doubled since 1960. With the increase in people there will be a greater demand for meat, milk and fish. Increased livestock production that is important for food security also poses dangers. Increased human and animal interfacing could lead to a higher risk of the transmission of animal diseases to humans and access to good-quality veterinary medicine will be an absolute necessity to support and sustain increased livestock production.
This places a huge responsibility on the OIE to ensure that drugs that are put forward for registration are cheaper and therefore accessible to farmers. Training will also be essential to ensure that all countries in Africa have access to safe, effective and high-quality veterinary products, contributing to food security on the continent.
For further information contact:
Mr Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Fax: 012 319 6943
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za
