Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A highly respected One Health expert, Dr Peter Evans, has been appointed lead veterinarian of the RMIS Operational Centre (OC), overseeing the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) working group.
Seconded from the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), Dr Evans brings substantial experience in veterinary science, outbreak response, biosecurity, and value chain coordination. The RMIS extended its appreciation to SAPPO for their collaboration and support during this period, as noted in a press release yesterday.
Dr Evans served as CEO of SAPPO from September 2023 and is currently handing over the reins to agricultural economist Dr Marlene Louw. He continues to provide leadership in animal health for SAPPO.
Growing up in a farming family in the Free State, Dr Evans completed his degree at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science (Onderstepoort). He began his career as a companion animal veterinarian before venturing into pig farming and later joining CS Vet in Pretoria in 1993. Dr Evans began working with SAPPO part-time in 2008 and was pivotal in developing Pork 360, as well as establishing various interventions to support sustainable industry growth.
In its statement, RMIS expressed hope that Dr Evans’s leadership will support the OC and FMD Working Group in formulating a structured response plan—ensuring technical expertise is aligned with on-the-ground realities.
A strong disease control background
“My journey at SAPPO began with another foreign viral disease in pigs – PRRS – which we successfully eradicated. Since then, I’ve contributed to biosecurity strategies and protocols aimed at mitigating disease risks at farm, national, and international levels,” said Dr Evans. “The RMIS team has already accomplished an incredible amount of work, and I’m eager to join forces with them to drive meaningful progress. I look forward to contributing to a collaborative effort and achieving a positive outcome for the industry.”
The final version of RMIS’ national industry response plan will be shared with stakeholders for input over the coming week. The consolidated plan will be finalised and submitted to the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) ahead of the national FMD Imbizo, scheduled for 21 to 22 July this year.
“We appreciate the experience Dr Evans brings to the role and the collaborative work that continues to guide a practical and coordinated response to FMD. The next few weeks will focus on ensuring alignment with government and readiness across the value chain,” said RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier.
FMD success
This announcement follows confirmation from the NDA that FMD outbreaks in two major disease management areas (DMAs) in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo have now been successfully contained.
The lifting of movement restrictions in these regions follows extensive vaccination campaigns and serological surveillance, with no new cases reported in recent months.
“This progress shows what is possible when government and industry align around clear goals,” said Olivier. “If we stay focussed and coordinated, this can be a turning point – not only in managing the current outbreak, but in how we prepare for and prevent future disruptions.” – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
