The Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, has announced the appointment of two new members to the Industry Coordination Council (ICC), which plays a crucial role in government’s efforts to tackle Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Africa.
The council comprises industry stakeholders and was established to ensure the industry plays an active, coordinated role in supporting the rollout of the National FMD Strategy. This includes vaccine distribution, traceability and disease control.
The Minister announced the appointment of Dr Theo de Jager and Dr Danie Odendaal to the council on Saturday at the Foot and Mouth Disease Symposium held at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
De Jager is the Executive Director at the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), and Odendaal is the Director at the Veterinarian Network (V-Net).
“De Jager and Odendaal bring immense practical knowledge, leadership, and technical insight that will strengthen an already hardworking and effective council.
“Their leadership will add immense value as we work hand-in-hand across the entire agricultural sector. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to both of them for their willingness to serve South Africa at such a critical juncture.
“We are committed to collaborating with every role player on the ground, and while we know there is a long road ahead, working together is how we will achieve our goal of an FMD-free country,” the Minister said.
Aucamp will also expand the Terms of Reference of the ICC to place greater emphasis on the rollout and practical implementation of the plan, with specific reference to farmers who are now allowed to vaccinate their own animals.
The Minister also announced that vaccine suppliers will be represented on an ad hoc basis on the ICC.
The expanded ICC, together with the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on FMD, will work together to win the fight against FMD, Aucamp said.
To date, a total of 17 million vaccine doses have been imported into South Africa to support the national strategy.
The Minister has urged livestock farmers to register as authorised persons, enabling them to vaccinate their own cattle legally and efficiently.
Livestock owners can register on the FMD Reporting site.
Aucamp met with the Argentinian Ambassador to South Africa and representatives of Biogénesis Bagó.
He thanked them for their support in the fight against FMD.
During the meeting, Biogénesis Bagó reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a steady supply of vaccines to help get ahead of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za
