Referring to the new court action by private veterinary organisations, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) has warned the value chain is already under pressure. This court action will impact control measures, including vaccination.

There is growing concern across the value chain that veterinarians working within the same value chain would take action, slowing its ability to operate at a time like this.

The concern is further reinforced by the fact that the court action now explicitly opposes the RMIS traceability platform – a system developed by the value chain, for the value chain, to support movement, vaccination, and the ability to continue trading under FMD conditions.

Producers who are willing and able to act proactively in the fight against FMD should not be prevented from doing so, says RMIS. Photo: VL

The RMIS traceability platform does not seek to regulate or “police” veterinarians. The role of RMIS is to support coordination and provide systems that enable the value chain to function, not to override or replace existing statutory authorities.

RMIS added this court action may appear to support the value chain, but it does not reflect the reality on the ground. The industry is not opposing producers carrying the cost of vaccination, but rather, those who are willing and able to act proactively should not be prevented from doing so.

Producers would no longer be able to access the vaccine directly to protect their herds, while feedlots would also not be able to access the vaccine directly to keep their operations functioning. Access to the vaccine is directly linked to the flow of livestock through the system.

Delaying vaccination will delay every part of the value chain. Photo: Pexel

When vaccination is delayed, that flow slows across the system – placing pressure not only on red meat producers, but on the broader livestock and food production value chain.

RMIS has also received information indicating not all Ruminant Veterinary Association members were consulted prior to this action being taken.

Given the direct impact of these decisions on the ability of the value chain to operate, this raises important questions about alignment and representation.

RMIS also continued that as an organisation, they will continue to support efforts that enable the value chain to function and recover as quickly as possible.

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder sm

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