Question NW1985 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
20 October 2021 - NW1985
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 KwaZulu-Natal and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date on which her department intends to fill the vacant positions; (1) what is the total number of veterinarians in each livestock unit of her department based in KwaZulu-Natal; (2) 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 years in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) interventions by her department to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a) The total number of veterinarians in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is sixteen (16).
(b) (i) The current vacant post is nine (09).
(ii) The Department is planning to recruit four (4) state veterinarians in the current financial year and then follows the next financial year.
2. One veterinarian in an average of 40 000 livestock unit.
3. The Department has implemented the Compulsory Community Service (CCS) since 2016. Currently we have received thirteen (13) veterinarians doing CCS. The department is in a process of procuring twelve (12) more prefabricated clinics to complement the five (5), procured by national department.
4. (a) The animal disease outbreak that occurred during the past financial year in KZN is Rabies, Brucellosis and Foot and Mouth Disease.
(b) Interventions are:
-
- Rabies: The province conducted awareness campaigns led by Hon MEC Mrs B.N. Sithole-Moloi. Strategic vaccination campaigns across the province and worked with relevant stakeholders.
- Brucellosis: Embarked on awareness campaigns led by Hon MEC Mrs B.N. Sithole-Moloi across the province. Sero-surveillance vaccinations across the province.
- Foot and Mouth Disease afflicted KZN in May 2021 and continues to be a serious concern. Surveillance has been conducted and the initial large area that was declared a Disease Management Area has been reduced. Further new information and latest control measures are being employed in the management of the disease.