Risk analysis prepared on bovine TB

The Meat Board of Namibia has prepared a qualitative risk analysis as part of the Namibian dossier on the status of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle. This document is a compilation of information and data about the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Namibia dating back to 1980. According to the Meat Board, the risk analysis, conducted on the compiled data, indicates that Namibia holds negligible risk with regard to bovine tuberculosis, without the need for individual testing of cattle prior to export. This risk is in alignment with the level of protection for the import of cattle as required by South Africa. The Directorate of Veterinary Services has already been in contact with the Directorate of Animal Health in South Africa in this regard. “Should negotiations for the termination of testing against bovine tuberculosis be successful, it will lead to significant savings and the improvement of the animal welfare of cattle exported to feedlots,” said the Meat Board. In other agricultural news, the revision of specifications of small stock ear tags needed for the identification of small stock for export to South Africa by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, rendered the Meat Board the opportunity to obtain official ear tags 66% cheaper than the existing electronic (RFID) ear tags. The new small stock ear tag is a single visual tag with a barcode, as opposed to the previous ear tags which consisted of a double set of ear tags with an electronic component. According to the Meat Board, the new barcoded small stock ear tags will be supplied by an international company, Datamars, and will be available at N$3.65 for use in the small stock industry. Furthermore the Master Agronomist for 2019 has been announced and the winner is Hansie van der Merwe from farm Ludwigshaven outside Tsumeb. The member meeting of the Agronomic Producers' Association as well as the Master Agronomist Day will take place on 17 April at Schützenverein (shooting club) outside Tsumeb. The day will mainly deal with the more effective management of crops, with the emphasis on maize farming. Speakers are Jaun van Loggerenberg from GeoSpace, Erwin Schimper from Aqualand as well as an expert on effective water consumption. As usual, the day is concluded with a farm visit at Ludwigshaven. ELLANIE SMIT

Risk analysis prepared on bovine TB

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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Risk analysis prepared on bovine TB

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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