South Africa drops livestock restrictions The South African government seems to be backtracking on the stringent livestock export requirements that it implemented nearly six months ago. In a surprise move South Africa announced that it will suspend all bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing for cattle imported from Namibia to approved feedlots and abattoirs. There is still a minor misunderstanding in the interpretation of Namibia''s TB- free status. The South African government on 1 July imposed strict livestock export requirements which resulted in cattle exports from Namibia grinding to a halt. Among the requirements were that cattle from Namibia had to undergo two sets of TB tests before they could be exported to South Africa. This resulted in cattle standing up to 90 days in quarantine before they could leave the country. In September the South African government relaxed its requirements by announcing a new export permit that reduced the need for compulsory pre-export brucella testing and double TB testing.
This meant that small stock did not have to be tested anymore and that cattle only had to be tested for TB once within 30 days before export.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry yesterday announced that following successful negotiations with the South African Veterinary Authority all TB testing requirements for cattle exported to approved feedlots and abattoirs had been immediately suspended.
According to the latest figures 18 South African feedlots and abattoirs have been accredited to receive livestock from Namibia under less stringent import regulations.
Statistics from the Meat Board of Namibia indicated that comparing year-on-year figures there was a 30.1% decrease in exports of weaner calves from January to August. The South African restrictions had a significant impact.
It said a steady decrease could be observed from June to July. In June, 31 837 weaners were exported and in July only two.
Exports of weaners to South Africa almost doubled after the more relaxed regulations came into effect in September.
The ministry has requested all farmers to contact their nearest state veterinary office for information on export certification. It also urged farmers to continue adhering to export conditions for the maintenance of valuable markets.
ELLANIE SMIT