Katima abattoir to start with test slaughtering
ELLANIE SMIT
The Katima Mulilo export abattoir is expected to commence with test slaughtering by the end of February, if repairs on the quarantine camp have been completed.
This is according to the Meat Board of Namibia, which has been asked to assist the abattoir with operations by the agriculture ministry.
Funding for the process was transferred to the board.
According to the Meat Board, contractors for the provision and service of cooling, water, electricity and security have already been appointed and are on site.
“All cattle offered for slaughter at the abattoir must adhere to the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health recommendations for commodity-based trade.”
Test slaughtering provides a chance to test the abattoir to assess whether all requirements of the Namibian environment are in order and functioning correctly.
The board further said users should be mindful of the use of antibiotics, saying consumers across the globe are increasingly opposed to the use of these medications.
“Namibia, as a meat export country, is judged according to its management of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics, under certain conditions, is allowed.”
The Meat Board said antibiotics may only be used if recommended and prescribed by a veterinarian.
“It is imperative to adhere to the withdrawal periods to avoid residue in the meat.”
The board said the directorate of veterinary services has urged all role players to keep complete records of the import, distribution, sales and usage of these drugs. The availability of these records enables the directorate to certify Namibia’s meat exports with increased confidence. In case of uncertainty, contact your nearest state or private veterinarian.
Furthermore, the Meat Board reminded producers that animal health declarations for July to December must be submitted by the end of January.
These declarations can be submitted online through NamLITS or in hard copy. Hard copies must be submitted to a local state veterinarian. Producers are further reminded that a proof of receipt slip must be requested from the veterinarian's office when the declaration is submitted.
The Katima Mulilo export abattoir is expected to commence with test slaughtering by the end of February, if repairs on the quarantine camp have been completed.
This is according to the Meat Board of Namibia, which has been asked to assist the abattoir with operations by the agriculture ministry.
Funding for the process was transferred to the board.
According to the Meat Board, contractors for the provision and service of cooling, water, electricity and security have already been appointed and are on site.
“All cattle offered for slaughter at the abattoir must adhere to the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health recommendations for commodity-based trade.”
Test slaughtering provides a chance to test the abattoir to assess whether all requirements of the Namibian environment are in order and functioning correctly.
The board further said users should be mindful of the use of antibiotics, saying consumers across the globe are increasingly opposed to the use of these medications.
“Namibia, as a meat export country, is judged according to its management of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics, under certain conditions, is allowed.”
The Meat Board said antibiotics may only be used if recommended and prescribed by a veterinarian.
“It is imperative to adhere to the withdrawal periods to avoid residue in the meat.”
The board said the directorate of veterinary services has urged all role players to keep complete records of the import, distribution, sales and usage of these drugs. The availability of these records enables the directorate to certify Namibia’s meat exports with increased confidence. In case of uncertainty, contact your nearest state or private veterinarian.
Furthermore, the Meat Board reminded producers that animal health declarations for July to December must be submitted by the end of January.
These declarations can be submitted online through NamLITS or in hard copy. Hard copies must be submitted to a local state veterinarian. Producers are further reminded that a proof of receipt slip must be requested from the veterinarian's office when the declaration is submitted.
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