South African hosted the World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town in April. Why was the congress themed ‘Resilience in the face of adversity’? The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the delivery of health services, including veterinary services, and highlighted the importance of the co-operation of health professionals for the future health of humans, animals and the environment.
Veterinarians were not recognised as essential health workers at the start of the pandemic, which prevented them from looking after the health of animals to ensure food safety and security. They were only recognised as essential health workers after some urgent interactions internationally and nationally.
Along with this, the longing for companionship led to a massive increase in companion animals during the pandemic, which added pressure on the number of veterinarians available, while a plethora of epidemic disease outbreaks after the pandemic revealed some of the stress placed on the veterinary value chain and the global shortage of veterinarians.
Another stressor worth mentioning is all the conflicts in the world where veterinarians must work under extreme conditions, and often perform human health services.
Veterinary services are currently in a vicious circle. The more stress placed on veterinarians, the more are leaving the profession. The more leaving the profession, the more stress on those staying behind.
The theme ‘Resilience in the face of Adversity’ was chosen to bring to the fore these issues and to look at common solutions.
How are these issues affecting the South African industry?
They are experienced more acutely in South Africa, as we started off with a massive shortage of veterinarians that is now snowballing. The matter is worsened by our dwindling economy and security.
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024 de Farmer's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.