Question NW1983 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
20 October 2021 - NW1983
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in her department based in Gauteng and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which her department intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department based in Gauteng; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service in Gauteng; 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 Gauteng and (b) interventions by her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of veterinarians in the Gauteng is 28 permanent, 2 contract and 18 CCS veterinarians.
(b) (i) The current vacancy rate is 7%. There are 2 vacancies.
(ii) The two (02) vacant posts of veterinarians have been advertised, interviews conducted and appointment process is underway.
2. The number of mature veterinary livestock unit in Gauteng is 266294. With the veterinarians allocated for animal health the ratio of livestock units to veterinarians becomes 19000 livestock units to a veterinarian.
3. Compulsory Community Service for Veterinarians is a National driven program, which is implemented in all provinces. For 2021/2022 financial year, Gauteng has been allocated 18 CCS veterinarians. These have been distributed to the four (04) regional offices.
4. (a)The animal disease outbreak that occurred during the past financial year in Gauteng is African Swine Fever.
(b)There is neither treatment nor vaccine available for the disease. In instances where pig owners were cooperated, they were assisted with culling and disposal. The department conducted an extensive awareness campaign during the last quarter of the financial year. The lack of compensation for affected farmers has made it difficult for the department to convince farmers to cull their animals.