Question NW1339 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
19 May 2023 - NW1339
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What measures has the Government put in place to minimise the introduction of invasive animal species within the agricultural food chain, which is part of the risks to animal biosecurity safety and threatens the health of domestic animals, wildlife, and humans?
Reply:
The control of invasive animal species primarily resides under the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will only get involved if such animals pose an animal health risk. The Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000) only applies to animals listed under schedule 1 of the Act, and therefore animals that are not listed under the schedule, including invasive animal species, are not covered under the laws administered by DALRRD, and therefore the meat thereof cannot enter the commercial food chain.