Question NW138 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
29 February 2024 - NW138
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the latest update on the production status of African Horse Sickness vaccines by the Onderstepoort Biological Products; (2) whether all horse owners and/or veterinary doctors who had placed vaccine orders from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023 have received their orders; if not, (a) why not, (b) what challenges are causing delays and (c) what measures are being taken to ensure timely vaccine (i) production and (ii) delivery to farmers for animal vaccination; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Production preparations for 2024 have commenced and 8 400 doses of African Horse Sickness vaccines have recently been released for the market.
2. No. However, most customers who confirmed their backorders have received what they ordered.
(a) The Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) system does not keep backorders. for more than 4 months, clients are expected to confirm or cancel. Some clients canceled, and some confirmed their orders.
(b) Delays are due to the breakdown of the freeze drier.
(c) OBP is servicing the current freeze drier.
(i) OBP will take delivery of a freeze drier in the second half of 2024 and is in the process of finalizing the procurement of another freeze drier. OBP is also inestigating contractual manufacturing opportunities.
(ii) OBP intends to make product available prior to the commencement of the vaccination season. All cooperatives and veterinarians will be kept informed about the status of vaccine availability monthly.