Challenges facing vet services in South Africa

Dr Paul van der Merwe, CEO of the South African Veterinary Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the issues discussed at the World Veterinary Association Congress and how these related to the local industry.

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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.