Following its formal appointment earlier this month, the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Industry Coordinating Council (ICC) convened again on 30 January to fast-track a number of urgent priorities. This comes amid rising tensions regarding the handling of the FMD situation, along with threats of legal action against the state. A number of key issues were identified and discussed during the meeting.
The following represents a summary of key developments and actions currently underway:
Coordination and clarity
The ICC firstly reaffirmed and aligned its supportive, influential, and guiding role which entails providing both direction and alignment alongside the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) and the National Department of Agriculture (NDA). Full alignment is being reinforced to streamline responsibilities and avoid duplication.
Vaccine access and distribution
Confirmation has been received from Dunevax that 1,5 million units of the Dollvet FMD vaccine will arrive in the country by mid-February. The allocation and distribution of the vaccine will be coordinated by the MTT who also met on 30 January regarding the distribution of vaccines.
A formal letter will now be submitted by the ICC to the NDA and MTT, requesting clarity on how the allocation and distribution of vaccines will be determined. Given its role to ensure that the industry is prepared and responsive to support the rollout, it is imperative that the ICC understands how implementation will unfold at ground level.
With regard to the other vaccines that will enter the country soon, Design Biologix has confirmed that they are still awaiting Section 21 approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, SAHPRA, which pertains to a permit to import vaccines. Design Biologix is the importer and agent for vaccines from Argentine manufacturer, Biogénesis Bagó. Click here to read more about this process.
Permits and regulatory issues
A unified national approach for Section 9 permits in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 34 of 1984) is being discussed for tabling. Section 9 pertains to the movement of livestock (cloven-hoofed animals) into, out of, or within a disease management area (DMA), for which a veterinary movement permit is required. The ICC would like to see clear and specific guidelines on movement permits countrywide so that there is clarity for all involved on what is required and allowed.
One of the most contentious issues at the moment is the question of who may or may not administer FMD vaccines. As FMD is a state controlled disease, this duty must be performed by state veterinarians alone. However, Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act empowers the minister to establish animal health schemes aimed at improving animal health, control, and disease prevention. A scheme document on pre-emptive vaccination was finalised on Wednesday evening and submitted to the NDA. The document will be discussed in the coming week.
A very important aspect of the proposed scheme focusses on involving private veterinarians in the distribution and administering of FMD vaccines. According to the ICC’s statement, “emergency interim measures under the contingency plan are being pursued to ensure that regulations previously written for a country free of FMD, such as movement compliance requirements, do not hamper future value chain operations.”
In addition, the ICC has requested a 24-hour turnaround time for SAHPRA’s approval of the Section 21 applications, so that the vaccination process can be expedited and the mass vaccination roll-out commece.
Producer support
The ICC is putting great emphasis on the fact that producer support and buy-in for the rollout remains a high priority. This also means that producers must acquaint themselves with the process and steps to be followed.
In addition, mechanisms to assist affected farmers are being actively investigated and collated for future communication with financial institutions. More information on these and other important recommendations will be reported as they emerge. – Lynette Louw, Plaas Media
For more information, contact Dr Frikkie Maré at 084 446 6787 or frikkie@rpo.co.za, or any of the other members of the ICC.
