John Steenhuizen. (Photo: Maroela Media)
The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) and the Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA) have condemned the government’s new draft vaccination plan against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and rejected a provision that requires veterinarians to obtain additional approval from the private company Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) to participate in the national vaccination program.
The organizations say the provision is not legally sustainable and will hinder the national response to the outbreak by creating unnecessary bureaucracy and serious legal risks.
Dr. Ziyanda Qwalela, the president of SAVA, says the industry is facing a national crisis that requires an urgent, legal and science-based response.
“SAVA and its members work tirelessly in support of government action to stop the current epidemic,” she says.
“However, any measure that harms the integrity of the profession or undermines the rule of law cannot be supported.”
According to her, the requirement – that vets must be screened by a private entity – affects the statutory authority of the South African Veterinary Council and could set a dangerous precedent.
John Steenhuisen Sunday in Fisantekraal. (screen grab)
Dr. Dave Midgley, the chief executive of RuVASA, says the provision exposes vets to huge legal risks. “Our members are the people in the field in this fight. This provision does not help them; it ties their hands and exposes them to a legal minefield,” he says.
He further warns that the scheme creates a “total vacuum of liability” should something go wrong with vaccinations, as it is unclear whether RMIS, the state, or the vet will be liable.
SAVA and RuVASA are now calling on John Steenhuisen, the minister of agriculture, to remove the provision before the vaccination plan in the Government Gazette be placed.
“We are necessary and willing partners in this struggle. We call on the minister to listen to the united voice of the veterinary profession,” says Qwalela.
- RMIS and the Department of Agriculture have been approached for comment and this will be updated.