Import conditions for livestock less stringent

Namibian farmers can finally expect some relief after South Africa has commenced with the issuance of less stringent import conditions for livestock intended for direct slaughter in that country.
This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry following the strict import conditions that was introduced by South Africa on 1 July this year resulting in no cattle being able to be exported from Namibia in the last few months.
This caused outcry among the farming community who urged government to intervene.
The ministry said in a statement that this development will bring relief to the farming community and exporters as the new export permit reduces the need for compulsory pre-export Brucella testing and double TB resting.
This means that small stock does not have to be tested anymore and that cattle only have to be tested for TB once within 30 days before export.
According to the ministry four facilities in South Africa have been approved by their department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to receive cattle, sheep and goats for direct slaughter from Namibia.
However according to the Namibia Agricultural Union it was confirmed that these four facilities are only applicable on sheep. The four approved facilities are Cartol Abattoir (Western Cape), GWK Meat Abattoir, GWK Meat Feedlot and Rooidag Abattoir, all from the Northern Cape. The Department of Veterinary Services in the South Africa also confirmed that there are still 15 applications submitted for approval which also include cattle facilities.
The ministry however stressed that movements to all other destinations in South Africa are subject to the existing stringent import conditions until further notice.
Under the current system exporters must apply to the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in South Africa for the new veterinary import permit and all animals must be properly identified using the official NAMLITs ear tags for cattle, sheep and goats.
The veterinary import permit must be certified by the local state veterinarian in Namibia and at the border the exporter must declare the consignment to veterinary officials of both countries. The ministry further says that the veterinary officials in South Africa will issue a ‘red cross’ permit for the consignment from the border to the final consignment where arrangements have to be made for the owner of the facility (feedlot or abattoir) to receive the consignment and break the seals.
Exporters of livestock were also cautioned not to divert or exchange animals in certified consignments and to jeopardise the sensitive trade facilitating arrangement.
“Your market is in our hands,” the ministry warned.


ELLANIE SMIT