1. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has sourced and is awaiting legal advice on the Animal Diseases Act 1984 (Act no 35 of 84) and the Animal Health Act 2002, (Act no 7 of 2002). Such advice will help inform the process going forward with regards to these two Acts.
2. Yes. In an industry adopted veterinary strategy, livestock owners as well as other animal owners are responsible for the health and welfare of their animals and ensure that all controlled diseases outbreaks are reported to the nearest state veterinarian or veterinarian to ensure that there is no unnecessary risk to the animal population of the country at large. Even at international level a trend is emerging where efforts to strengthen official state services, requires the active participation and investment on the part of both the public and the private sectors. The South African private sector as well as livestock producers have indicated their willingness to support this approach in their report to the Animal Health Forum. DALRRD continues to draft biosecurity guidelines to assist the livestock sector to prevent diseases and/or mitigate impact of outbreaks. DALRRD audits and assist to bio-secure facilities to assist them access regional and other international markets