Consumer assurance

Although producers have always realised the value of high animal health standards for their businesses, the value of a constant focus on the health of the national herd was placed under the spotlight when two serious exotic pig diseases were identified in the country in the early 2000s. The outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in 2004 and classical swine fever (CSF) in 2005 underlined the importance of a high health status on farms.

Fast and timely reaction to the outbreaks by members of SAPPO, with the support of the national veterinary authorities and private pig practitioners, enabled South Africa to successfully eradicate both these diseases.

SAPPO has an excellent working relationship with the national veterinary authorities and cooperates with them on regular national serological surveys to prove the absence of many viral diseases found in other countries.

The NPHWC’s policies, projects, and decisions are implemented via the head of Consumer Assurance, Dr Peter Evans.

South Africa’s pig compartmentalisation system is a WOAH-recognised disease control method, where clearly identified biosecure units have implemented procedures to ensure that harmful diseases are kept out of the unit. Compartments perform regular serological testing to prove the absence of diseases based on requirements of countries to which we export. These diseases include porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS), classical swine fever (CSF), as well as endemic diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

Compartments are managed by national veterinary services, who perform annual audits regarding their compliance to procedures as set out in the Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPN). Furthermore, all compartments receive regular visits by private pig veterinary consultants who undertake to liaise with veterinary authorities should problems occur.

The compartments allow pork and pork products to be safely exported when a trade-sensitive disease is found in the country, for example FMD or ASF.