VN September 2020

Vetnuus | September 2020 2 Although COVID-19 and other important matters have dramatically increased our workload, tireless efforts by the above people, and fruitful collaboration with the SAVC and the DALRRD, have enabled us to “pull the wa through the drif” so to speak. As you can imagine, SAVC president Dr Alfred Kgasi, chief veterinary officer Dr Mike Modisane and I had no idea of the mountains that lay ahead when we agreed to serve in our respective positions. Fortunately, with our able support structures, and the guidance of our Lord, we have managed to achieve much. SAVA is often approached by the public, media, animal welfare organisations, the SAVC and colleagues to act on a particular matter or to make a position statement on an issue. We are regularly approached to deal with something that is actually the domain of the SAVC. We may then refer the applicant to the regulatory body, but in some cases agree to utilise our channels of communication to approach the SAVC on their behalf. In cases of suspected misconduct, the SAVC can only investigate a matter where there is concrete evidence submitted, if not a signed affidavit. SAVA was recently requested by senior colleagues to look into the situation at the SAPS K9 unit at Roodeplaat following the Carte Blanche exposé of the parvo virus outbreaks in the last two years. Once again, this is more of a SAVC and SAPS matter, however, we have approached the SAVC requesting that they revisit the situation at the facility. We have offered the SAVC and the veterinarians at Roodeplaat SAVA`s support and expertise at our disposal. As far as position statements are concerned, we have to be extremely careful. In 2019, SAVA was approached by the SAVC to provide comment on the government`s sustainable utilization document. The SAVA board then requested input from our Animal Ethics & Welfare Committee. After due considerationwe decided not to take a position on this emotive subject, as SAVA`s membership covers such a diverse range of fields and viewpoints. However, this year when animal rights activist group the EMS Foundation petitioned the South African government for a blanket ban on the utilisation and consumption of any wild animals and their products, we felt obliged to provide input. The SAVA Wildlife Group and the AEWC have collaborated with the BoD to compile a statement detailing SAVA`s stance. We are concerned with many unethical practices within the wildlife industry, however the ethical utilisation of wildlife has contributed significantly to biodiversity, conservation, food security and the economy of our country. As stated at a recent AEWC zoom meeting, one must only make a statement if it will have a beneficial impact. It is often better to provide input and educate rather than making a position statement. Wemust also beware of the phenomenon of“virtue signalling”, where one makes a statement just to be seen to be saying something right! If we stick our neck out on something, we may become a target for attack by groups that do not agree with our standpoint! Another issue where SAVA did decide to make a statement recently was the long haul export of livestock by sea for slaughter in the country of destination, predominantly in the Middle East. SAVA supports sustainable and profitable livestock farming, however this must happen in conjunction with positive animal welfare. I requested input from the AEWC, Prof Gareth Bath in his capacity as Chairman of the LWCC, RuVASA, Eastern Cape & Karoo SAVA Branch and the NSPCA. We also organised an invaluable zoom meeting with the Australian and New Zealand Veterinary Associations so that we could benefit from the Antipodean insights pertaining to this contentious matter. We are of the opinion that these animals should be slaughtered at export abattoirs, according to Halaal religious and traditional customs in the country of origin, with the chilled meat then shipped to the country of destination. The economic benefit of live export for slaughter simply does not justify the health and welfare risks to the animals on these long voyages. We keenly await the Grahamstown High Court judgement in this matter. If the courts and government do allow these shipments, it is crucial that they are conducted strictly along international norms and standards that are adapted to the South African situation. SAVAwill offer to provide input on guidelines in this scenario. You can rest assured that the SAVA leadership never takes decisions lightly. We diligently consult the team of experts at our disposal and consider what is in the best interests of the Association, our profession, our country, its people and animals. I pray daily to our Lord to provide wisdom and to guide us through these challenging times and thank him for the wonderful people that support me. Yours in peace, joy and love. v Leon From the President Dear Colleagues, Leon de Bruyn As you read this, spring will have sprung and the COVID-19 Pandemic will have hopefully continued to abate in spite of the easing of restrictions to Level 2. This corona virus crisis has presented unique challenges to SAVA in particular and the profession in general. Fortunately, we have a highly competent and motivated MD in Gert Steyn and VetHouse staff as well as an expert and enthusiastic board of directors, groups, committees and branches.