Dr Chimes will separate fact from fiction and provide an update on what is being done and where South Africa currently stands in terms of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control. He will unpack the realities, frustrations, failures and successes in combating FMD.
There is widespread confusion, along with rumours, myths, misinformation, and half-truths circulating about FMD and the state’s response. With the situation changing weekly, what are the real facts? Tune in for the latest, accurate updates.
Dr Mark Chimes
Dr Mark Chimes qualified as a veterinarian at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, in 1986.
After 30 years in private practice, he joined Deltamune Laboratory as ruminant technical advisor, focusing on vaccines and laboratory testing.
In 2016, Dr Chimes joined the Dairy Standard Agency as a milk parlour auditor, assisting farmers to comply with dairy quality and safety standards. He visits between 80 and 120 dairy farms a year and has, as a result, developed an intimate knowledge of diverse dairy farm management and production systems.
In 2022, Dr Chimes was appointed manager of Milk South Africa’s Animal Health & Welfare Programme, where he also serves as veterinary advisor.
