Question NW1837 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
27 September 2021 - NW1837
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the Limpopo 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 the 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 Limpopo and (b) interventions of her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of Veterinarian's posts in the province is 28 (Animal health, Labs and VPH).
b) N(i) 6 of these are vacant (5 in Animal health and 1 in the laboratory).
(ii) The province intends filling vacant positions in the new financial year.
2. With up 1000 000 mature livestock units in Limpopo province and 22 filled positions, the Livestock Units per State veterinarian ratio is 1:45 000.
3. Yes, the Compulsory Community Services (CCS) with Veterinarians has been implemented, and have been having a new cohort on an annual basis. There are currently 10 CCS Veterinarians across the Province.
4. (a) Foot and Mouth disease, Rabies, Lumpy skin disease and sporadic tick- borne diseases have been the major challenges.
(b) Vaccinations and identification of the susceptible population in the protection zone. Dipping of the communal cattle.