According the North-West University’s Dr Tshipamba Edoaurd, 59 bulls have tested positive for Trichomoniasis in the North West. In a statement, he said that the introduction of new bulls without sanitary control should be avoided until the bacterial infection has been contained. Edoaurd adds that the spread of this bacterial infection may cause abortion, infertility and other productive ailments in cattle. Further complications include the potential to be passed into the human food chain. He added that he had recently done a study of 258 sheath wash samples from bulls where he came across two bacterial subspecies that may negatively affect the beef industry. Edoaurd warns farmers and animal owners to be cautious when introducing bulls into their livestock.

The economic contribution of hunting will see a rapid decline if certain proposed amendments are made to the draft of the Firearms Control Amendment Bill. CEO of the SA Hunters Association, Fred Camphor, tells OFM News that the hunting industry makes a contribution of more than R11 billion per annum to the economy.  He says that with the implementation of some of the proposed amendments to the bill, hunters may not even be able to legally transport their firearms without a permit from the police, which can take more than one year before it is awarded to the firearm owner.  He says that these amendments may cause even more issues for international hunters who wish to temporarily hunt in South Africa. Camphor adds that these amendments will have huge negative economic impacts on South Africa’s economy and the livelihoods of the hunting community.

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Agri SA celebrates Women’s Month. Agri SA’s Risk and Disaster manager, Andrea Campher, along with many of the other women in the organisation, will be celebrated for their hard work, strength and inspiring nature with daily Youtube videos that introduce and flaunt the impeccable women in their organisation. She says that growing up on a farm inspired her to learn about drought and ways to curb it. Campher adds that drought gave her her passion for environmental justice and climate change which she can now use to help those in need across South Africa.

OFM News/Lee Simmons