Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Dr Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinary Network (V-Net), has written an open letter to the veterinary fraternity of South Africa:
“For far too long, we as livestock veterinarians in South Africa have tolerated the alarming decline in leadership within our state veterinary services. What was once a highly functional, respected system – a system that protected our livestock, protected our livestock farmer clients, and upheld national and international disease control standards – has been allowed to deteriorate before our eyes.
Consequence of vets’ inaction
This decline did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of poor management, inadequate accountability, and a failure to prioritise the very institutions (Onderstepoort Biological Products and the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute) that support the health and sustainability of our livestock industry.
The consequences can now be seen unmistakably in the current uncontrolled outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Disease control structures that once worked with precision in preventing FMD have weakened. Critical surveillance and response capabilities have been compromised.
Farmers are suffering
And the people who bear the brunt of this failure are our farmers – the men and women who feed the nation, and drive a vital sector of our economy. Let’s be honest: The livestock industry cannot thrive when essential veterinary systems for state-controlled diseases are mismanaged or ignored.
Farmers cannot plan, invest, or grow when they are left constantly vulnerable to preventable disease outbreaks, bureaucratic delays and the absence of effective government support.
Leadership demanded
This situation is not only unfair – it is unsustainable. Therefore, it is time for us to demand better. Not politely. Not quietly. But firmly and collectively.
We must insist on capable leadership, functional structures, adequate staffing, and a renewed commitment to scientific integrity and operational excellence within our state veterinary services.
We must call for clear accountability to ensure that the current failure is not continued or repeated.
South Africa deserves a veterinary system that works – one that protects animal health, supports producers, maintains food security, and positions our agricultural sector to compete globally.
We cannot afford further decline. We cannot remain silent in the face of negligence. And we will no longer accept mediocrity where excellence is not only possible, but essential. It is time for recovery.
It is time for capable leadership to be shown by the Chief Director: Animal Production and Health, and the Director: Animal Health. And it is time for decisive action.”
Readers can contact Dr Danie Odendaal at vnet1@absamail.co.za
