VN May 2022

Vetnuus | May 2022 2 Within the animal health domain, unfortunately, there is not much relief with the continued rabies outbreaks, the fast- spreading of Foot and Mouth Disease to other provinces, continuous African Swine Fever outbreaks and themoratorium placed on the movement of buffalo, to name but a few of the animal health challenges. Fortunately, with the intervention of Dr MikeModisane, the Chief Veterinary Officer, themoratorium on the movement of buffalo was speedily overturned. Our sincere gratitude to Dr Mike Modisane for addressing the challenge in the wink of an eye. However, with all that is happening around us, it is time that we realise that we live in a day and age of change. We must either embrace it or live with the consequences. As an organisation serving the interests of our members, SAVA, that tally up almost 60% of veterinarians in South Africa, also needs to embrace change. Over the past couple of years, introspection had to be done on the activities of SAVA and the way it serves its members. Some areas of concern were identified that had to be addressed. The Credo that guides the organisation and its members refers to honour our profession and its Code of Ethics. On introspection, it was found that the Code of Ethics is an ambiguous statement. After comprehensive consultation, it was finally agreed upon at the April 2022 Federal Council meeting to replace the Code of Ethics with the “Veterinary Oath”, which newly graduates undertake. SAVA also wants to serve all its members irrespective of their race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, and birth. An aspect, however, that SAVA was grappling with is the language policy protecting the rights of all eleven official languages yet being logical and pragmatic in the use and implementation thereof. At the October 2021 Federal Council meeting, an official SAVA language policy was proposed, which was subsequently approved at the April 2022 Federal Council. The official recording and communication language of SAVA will be English to ensure that most members will fully converse in communications. Yet, for the VetNews, contributors can use any of the eleven official languages. SAVA will translate all other languages, save for English, into English and, with the contributor’s confirmation of contents, publish both in VetNews. To manage the fast-changing environment, other role players in the animal health industry are also hard at work to relook at how animal health is being managed in a continuously changing environment. The SAVC is obtaining approval for the new scope of practice for Animal Health Technicians, changes that might impact our profession. Through SAVA’s participation in the International Veterinary Officers Coalition, inputs are provided for theWorld Veterinary Association to draft position statements on animal health matters of international concern. We, as members, are requested to respond. If we fail to provide input, we must accept that other role players will decide on our behalf our future. It is with enormous expectation that SAVA was informed that the SAVC Council had endorsed the SAVC/SAVA EXCOs resolution of having a dialogue/engagement by relevant industry stakeholders to deal with matters affecting the SAVC, Associations and the Professions. May this be the beginning of an exciting time for our profession to position ourselves as leaders in animal health. v Paul van der Merwe From the President Dear members, The devastating KZN Floods impacted the lives of millions of people and animals. The impacts on the environment came as a sad reminder of the days we live. We pray for the relief and protection of all concerned, especially our affected members.