Amid rising concerns over the continued outbreak of ‘Foot and Mouth’ disease in the Mtubatuba district, the KZN Agricultural Union (Kwanalu), in partnership with the KZN Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), hosted a livestock biosecurity workshop in Mooi River to address relevant issues.
Industry leaders who were in attendance and gave speeches included Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) registrar Francois Knowles, KZN RPO chairman Angus Williamson, Willem van Jaarsveld from the Foot and Mouth Disease Forum, Kwanalu president Peter-John Hassard and Kwanalu CEO Sandy La Marque.
Among the topics discussed were the challenges, needs and potential solutions pertaining to Foot and Mouth disease, APAC regulations (Act 12, 1992) and other relevant biosecurity issues.
“Biosecurity at farms and sale points is of utmost importance and is the only way we can ensure that our export footprint is expanded on. We need to embrace the APAC regulations and ensure that biosecurity is upheld throughout the province,” said Williamson.
“Until authorities provide programmes across the entire industry, create awareness, and allocate sufficient budget and resources to assist in the organisation and implementation of control measures, it is not enough to stop an outbreak in its tracks,” said La Marque.
“Each producer, livestock and landowner must ensure that any disease does not reach his produce by ‘self-regulating’ biosecurity at the farm gate. The private sector will continue to lobby for growth, market opportunity and traceability, and seek sustainable farming practices through technology to bring about food security, employment and a vibrant inclusive industry contributing to the economy,” added La Marque.
NOW READ: Sewage spill continues to contaminate Bushman’s River
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
