Page 16 - Executive Board Meeting 14 July 2021

David Osborne felt strongly that producers should fight the government for compensation.
He wanted the industry to fight the government with the support of the RMIF. When speaking to the Minister, they should insist on an answer within a certain period, failing which they would approach the court. Government should not be allowed to take over farms and institute quarantines if they fail to do their part with regard to diseases. They need to be forced to accept accountability.
Peter Mockford supported David Osborne and stated that small-scale farmers, like any other farmer, should have biosecurity in place to ensure that commercial farmers are protected.
Decision:
SAPPO will consult with a lawyer for guidance on what can be said to the minister without compromising a case. It will be done in collaboration with the RMIF. EB 04/2021-12/05/21
Compartments and Serological Tests
Concerns were raised that ASF may spread to neighbouring countries, which could mean that those countries might not import pigs from South Africa. It was important that compartments be registered on the WoP to log the visits to those farms as part of passive surveillance. Subtle changes will be made for compartments claiming for serological tests to ensure that they are registered on WoP. In future, it will be a requirement for Pork360 farms to be registered on the WoP.
Dr Peter Evans reported that a letter had been sent to all the farmers and that veterinarians were notified that all farms not registered on the WoP must be registered with Nico Scheltema and Rika Verwey’s assistance.
David Osborne expressed his displeasure that farms were being penalised for not registering on the WoP. He was concerned about the safety and security of information.
Johann Kotzé explained that being registered gives the veterinarian the capacity to log into the necessary information. He suggested that note be taken of the concern and that it be dealt with at the Eastern Cape regional meeting on 2 June.
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