The export of weaners on the hoof to South Africa is still permitted.
This was confirmed by acting chief veterinary officer in the directorate of veterinary services Dr John Shoopala in a statement issued last week.
The statement refuted rumours that the export of weaners and the import of stock feed, respectively, to and from South Africa, by Namibian farmers had been stopped.
He said anyone wishing to export live cattle to South Africa should apply for the South African Veterinary Import Permit.
“All importation and exportation of livestock and livestock products is facilitated under the provisions outlined in the Animal Health Act and therefore, Namibia allows the importation of fully processed livestock feed in compliance with our veterinary import requirements,” Shoopala said.
He, however, said Namibia is currently negotiating with South Africa on the revised veterinary import requirements for the importation of unprocessed livestock feed.
“The importation of this feed will be based on the requirements prescribed by the World Organisation for Animal Health,” he said.
These requirements include that the feed should have been harvested from registered establishments where no cloven-hoofed animals were kept.
The feed should have been subjected to the action of steam in a closed chamber, such that the centre of the bales reaching a minimum temperature of 80 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes.
“The bales can also be subjected to the action of formalin fumes in a chamber kept closed for at least eight hours at a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius or the feed should be kept in bond for at least four months.”
He said the vehicles that transport the feed should be cleaned and disinfected with veterinary-approved disinfectants that are effective in inactivating the foot-and-mouth disease virus.
According to Shoopala, the vehicles must be sealed in such a way that no unauthorised materials can be added to the consignment after sealing is done and the seals should only be broken by veterinary officials upon arrival in Namibia.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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