Vetnuus | May 2025 49 Van der Merwe warned that the burden of controlling diseases like foot-and-mouth, rabies, and avian influenza is increasing. “Without sufficient veterinary manpower, the country is at greater risk of epidemics. “With the shortage of resources, we see more and more outbreaks of controlled diseases with lagging management and control measures.” In the public sector, where many veterinary posts are unfilled, he said, animal health technicians and para-veterinary workers often act as frontline responders for animal health issues. Their presence helps maintain a basic level of service, particularly for livestock owners who might otherwise have no access at all. “These workers are often deployed in disease monitoring programmes (e.g., for rabies or foot-and-mouth) and in providing education to communities about animal care and zoonotic diseases.” However, Van der Merwe said while the unskilled and semi-skilled sector plays a vital stopgap role, it is not a sustainable solution to the veterinary shortage. The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development deployed a team of veterinary services practitioners in the province. Long-term solutions and future directions Van der Merwe said strengthening this workforce through better training, clearer scope of practice, and improved support systems is essential. However, he said long-term solutions must also include expanding vet training programmes, improving conditions to retain qualified vets, and ensuring balanced, regulated collaboration between vets and support staff. Van der Merwe highlighted that this shortage has a direct and serious impact on both food safety and food security, especially given the country’s reliance on agriculture and animal-based products. With regard to the impact on food safety, he said the shortage weakens disease surveillance and control, meat inspection is compromised, and there is a greater risk of antibiotic misuse. The impact on food security includes livestock production losses, barriers to export markets, increased costs for farmers, and reduced resilience to climate and disease shocks. “The veterinary workforce is a critical but often overlooked pillar of South Africa’s food system. Addressing this shortage is essential to protect consumers, support farmers, and ensure a resilient, safe, and sustainable food supply,” he said. According to Van der Merwe, addressing the veterinarian shortage in South Africa requires coordinated action from the government, the veterinary profession, veterinary and para-veterinary associations, academia, and the private sector. He said in addition to a secondary training facility, bridging and upskilling programmes should be offered for para-veterinary professionals who wish to pursue veterinary degrees. Van der Merwe also called for improved retention of vets through better working conditions. “Review remuneration and working conditions for veterinarians, especially in rural areas. Having a guideline of fees will greatly assist.” To reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction, he suggested providing vets with proper equipment, vehicles, support staff, mental health resources, and professional development opportunities. He also encouraged collaboration between state and private vets, especially in rural or underserved communities, through contracting, subsidies, or mobile clinics. “Create shared service models for disease control, animal welfare, and meat inspection that leverage both public and private expertise.” Van der Merwe also suggested streamlining the recruitment of foreigntrained veterinarians. “While vets have been added to the critical skills list, more needs to be done to simplify and accelerate the registration and work permit process, and the provision of clear, supportive pathways for qualified foreign vets and South Africans who studied abroad to practice in South Africa.” To increase awareness and career pathways, he called for veterinary careers to be promoted in schools and underrepresented communities, with bursaries and mentorship for students from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. “Highlight the diversity of the profession, not only companion animal care but also livestock, public health, food safety and security, wildlife, and research.” Van der Merwe also believes veterinary council processes need to be reformed by addressing concerns about governance, transparency, and responsiveness within the SAVC. “Ensure the SAVC supports innovation, inclusivity, and efficient registration, without compromising standards. Revise the Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme.” Van der Merwe said vets should be recognised as essential to national food security, public health, and economic development. He added that veterinary services should be included in rural development, agriculture, and disaster preparedness planning, and an adequate budget should be allocated with attention to policy to sustain long-term improvements. “ karen.singh@inl.co.za Regulars I Life plus 26
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