Okapuka feedlot openContaminated feeds caused zeranol result Meatco''s Okapuka feedlot has been reopened after it was found that contaminated feed was to blame for cattle testing positive for a banned substance. While all restrictions on the Okapuka feedlot have been lifted conflicting statements are coming from the Meatco top management and its board of directors about the entire issue. The Directorate of Veterinary Services closed down the feedlot on 2 September after detecting zeranol in samples taken from cattle for the second time in 12 months.
It was announced yesterday that the feedlot was open again for slaughtering and marketing of cattle after tests determined that the zeranol detected in the samples came from contaminated feed.
However at the media conference to announce the good news questions were raised on how Meatco handled the crisis and the conflicting statements made.
Asked about the manner in which Meatco management at first addressed the closure of the feedlot by accusing the Directorate of Veterinary Services of implementing draconian measures and threatening legal action, board director Ronald Kubas said they acted fast to stop the emotional utterances on the matter and banned any media interaction.
He pointed out that the Meatco board took over and that they wanted to ensure things were done properly and that the issue is addressed in a technical instead of emotional manner.
“We wanted to follow a scientific approach. When faced with a crisis the emotions take over and therefore a calm head is needed.”
However, just last week two conflicting statements again emerged which the board said were not sanctioned by them.
Kubas specifically mentioned that a statement issued last week about a drop in producer prices due to the closure was not sanctioned by the board and that this issue would be addressed.
He made it clear that the board of directors had issued only one media statement last week, in which it reassured farmers and other stakeholders that it was working tirelessly to resolve technicalities in respect of the feedlot closure.
He said the other statements were not sanctioned by the board of directors.
According to him, should there be any reduction in prices, proper consultations would be held with stakeholders.
The director of veterinary services, Dr Milton Maseke, said all restrictions have been lifted at the feedlot and it is allowed to receive and market cattle.
He said there is still a concern about the feed, as it has been proven to be contaminated and has serious consequences for the animals that eat it.
According to him all the contaminated feed should be removed and Meatco has to introduce a new, clean feeding system to avoid a repeat of the situation.
He said the source of the feed had not been determined. It could have been contaminated in the country where it was produced, during transport or in storage at the feedlot.
He said there are measures that should be followed, such as regularly checking the feed for mould and also asking for a certificate from the producer to make sure it is mould free.
According to Kubas measures have been implemented such as a toxin binder to neutralise it and this process is ongoing. He added that control measures on the sourcing of feed will also be reinforced.
“We have to buy in bulk and it is stored over a long period but the risk of reoccurrence will be mitigated.”
Currently the feedlot has about 9 000 cattle and Meatco says it is confident that it can quickly slaughter them.
“We expect to meet the Norway quota,” he added.
Meatco previously said that its losses could amount to N$5 million per day, but Kuba said the loss caused by the closure still had to be calculated.
Sakkie Coetzee of the Namibia Agricultural Union thanked the stakeholders involved in the opening of the feedlot, saying, “It is a good day for producers.
“We know you have to secure markets under tremendous pressure. This news comes at the right time and it will relieve pressure on the producers.”
Meatco chairperson Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun also thanked all involved in reopening the feedlot.
ELLANIE SMIT