Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) Limpopo hosted its annual congress in Polokwane on 22 April under the theme “Sustainable red meat: Health, safety, and trust”.
The programme featured several industry experts, including dr Schabort Froneman, technical manager: ruminants at Zoetis; Frik van Rooyen, chairperson of the National RPO; dr Peter Evans, lead veterinarian at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS); and Gerhard Coetzer of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture’s veterinary services.
Dr Froneman’s presentation centred on vaccinating breeding animals against respiratory diseases that can negatively affect reproduction over time. Particular attention was given to bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).
Before discussing the diseases themselves, Dr Froneman outlined a few basic principles of vaccination. He compared vaccination to insurance or risk management, describing it as a preventive measure that protects livestock and production systems from potential losses. He stressed that certain vaccinations are legally required and highlighted the important role of vaccination in establishing passive immunity, particularly against diseases such as BVD and IBR. He also explained how vaccination and immunisation work, as well as some of the common reasons they fail.
Understanding immunity
Immunity can be divided into non-specific immunity and specific (adaptive) immunity. Non-specific immunity serves as the animal’s first line of defence and includes physical and chemical barriers such as the skin. Innate immunity also encompasses passive immunity transferred from the mother to the offspring, as well as genetic resistance present in the animal.
Specific, or adaptive, immunity is stimulated through vaccination. This system targets specific pathogens and enables the body to recognise and respond more effectively to future infections. Humoral immunity is stimulated by inactivated vaccines, while live vaccines activate cell-mediated immunity.
Vaccination failures can be caused by interruptions in the cold chain, failure to follow product guidelines, vaccinating sick animals, administering certain medications simultaneously – particularly antibiotics – and neglecting booster doses.
Respiratory health
Dr Froneman warned that the physiological and anatomical structure of cattle’s lungs makes them particularly susceptible to pneumonia. As a result, animals that experience stress are more vulnerable to respiratory diseases such as BVD and IBR.
The economic consequences of these diseases largely depend on the stage of pregnancy at which infection occurs:
- Infection during the first 40 days of pregnancy often results in abortion.
- Infection between 40 and 120 days of pregnancy can lead to persistently infected calves. These animals become lifelong carriers of the virus and continually spread infection within the herd.
- Infection between 120 and 282 days of pregnancy may result in weak calves or impaired growth and development.
Reproductive consequences
IBR is a herpesvirus that causes respiratory disease. When naive animals – those that have not previously been exposed to the virus – become infected, the virus can spread through the bloodstream from the respiratory system to the foetus. This results in foetal death and subsequent abortion.
Vaccination remains the primary preventative measure. However, Dr Froneman cautioned that administering a live IBR vaccine to pregnant, naive cows may lead to abortion. He recommended vaccinating heifers and non-pregnant cows before the breeding season using either a live or inactivated vaccine. In this case, a live vaccine can stimulate both branches of immunity. Pregnant females with no previous exposure to the disease should receive an inactivated vaccine. Producers are advised to consult their veterinarians for guidance.
What does the National RPO do?
Frik van Rooyen, chairperson of the National RPO, outlined the organisation’s role within the broader red meat industry and explained the structure of the industry value chain.
- The RPO is one of four founding members of the Red Meat Primary Cluster (RMPC). The RMPC applied for the statutory levy, developed the industry’s 2030 Strategy, and provides direction on how levy funds should be utilised.
- The other members are the SA Feedlot Association, the Red Meat Abattoir Association, and the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation.
- Together, the RMPC established Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), which serves as the independent administrator of the statutory levy.
- RMIS reports to the RMPC and is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and management of the 2030 Strategy.
- The RMIS board consists of three independent directors, a chief executive officer, and one representative from each of the four founding member organisations.
Van Rooyen emphasised that the RPO remains unchanged in its purpose and objectives. He encouraged producers to become actively involved, particularly those who believe they can make a difference. “The RPO is an organisation for producers, by producers,” he said, urging producers not merely to criticise from the sidelines but to become part of the solution.
No place for mistrust
Dr Peter Evans focussed on the agricultural sector as a complex, living system facing numerous challenges, such as livestock diseases. According to him, the greatest obstacles currently confronting the industry are mistrust – not only between producers and government, but also among stakeholders throughout the value chain.
While acknowledging the complexity of government systems, he argued that traditional governance structures are not always well suited to managing equally complex agricultural systems. Adaptive governance, he said, is therefore essential.
He also highlighted the key priorities of the ministerial task team (MTT):
- Faster and more effective response systems.
- A resilient, risk-based vaccination strategy.
- Faster diagnoses.
- Real-time data dashboards.
- Greater local or area-specific authority.
- Stronger public-private partnerships.
Regarding the Section 10 Scheme, he noted that more than 400 responses had been received on the draft scheme. However, at that stage amendments to the proposed scheme first had to undergo legal review and approval by the state’s attorneys.
The state of FMD in Limpopo
Gerhard Coetzer, deputy director of animal diseases and epidemiology at the Department of Agriculture’s veterinary services in Limpopo, provided an update on the province’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation.
He reported that the virus remains widespread in the province, with new cases still reported daily. Despite these challenges, the vaccination campaign has progressed well, with more than 150 000 animals vaccinated since December. Coetzer expressed confidence that enough vaccine supplies are available in the province.
During the discussion session, a producer raised concerns about the movement of game in the province and its potential impact on livestock producers. Coetzer confirmed that game was being moved ahead of the hunting season. However, the risk to livestock producers is small, as ordinary game are not permanent carriers of the virus.
Illegal livestock movement, however, is still a major concern. He warned that the game industry faces significant risk should the virus spread to buffalo populations, as buffalo become permanent carriers once infected.
Producers were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or suspected illegal movement of livestock or game to the police. Any suspected cases of FMD should also be reported immediately to state veterinary services. – Deidré Louw, Plaas Media
For more information, contact Wilma Prinsloo at 082 555 4553.
