Question NW1836 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
16 September 2021 - NW1836
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the North West and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which the specified province intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department in the North West; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year in the North West and (b) interventions of her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of Veterinarians in North West is 30 Veterinarians. This includes 7 Veterinarians that are in middle management, 4 the laboratory.
(i) There are 9 vacant posts.
(ii) 9 posts have been advertised and the shortlisting process has been completed waiting for approval. Interviews will be held immediately afterwards. These include posts that are occupied by short term contract veterinarians.
2. In each State Veterinary area there is one (1) State Veterinarian taking care of all livestock unit’s needs. These includes activities related to animal health, veterinary public health and export related matter of all commodities.
3. Yes. The Department is implementing Compulsory community services for veterinarians in the North West Province. In 2021, eleven (11) Compulsory Community Services veterinarians are employed mainly in the rural areas providing both primary animal health care services and State Veterinary services.
4. (a) During the past financial year we have has the following major outbreaks of diseases
(i) African Swine Fever
(ii) African Horse Sickness
(iii) Avian Influenza
(iv) Rabies
There were also singular/minor outbreaks of the following
i. Blue Tongue
ii. Salmonella enteritidis
iii.Malignant Cattarhal Fever
(b) Interventions undertaken to treat diseases:
i. African Swine Fever: The outbreak was controlled by depopulation of the farm both initially by the farmer and later due to a court instruction. Carcasses were buried with lime on the farm. The farm was cleaned and tested and the quarantine notice will be lifted when the last test indicates negative results
ii. African Horse Sickness: These outbreaks were reported and quarantine notices issued. The individual outbreak farms were advised to vaccinate the animals and employ location of animals to higher lying areas to avoid vector insects.
iii. Avian Influenza: The affected farms had their flock culled. The company/farm used their own rendering plant to dispose of dead carcasses. Surveillance was conducted and quarantine lifted after negative results.