Vetnews | September 2025 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS September marks Rabies Month in South Africa, and on the 26th, we join the global community in observing World Rabies Day. Much progress has been made in implementing the National Rabies Strategy, and it is encouraging to note that the South African Veterinary Association, through SAVA-CVC, continues to play a leading role in these efforts. The Battersea Project, primarily in Nelson Mandela Bay, has already enabled approximately 160,000 dog vaccinations since March 2024. The project has also been extended to the Free State and Limpopo provinces. This remarkable achievement is moving South Africa steadily towards the“Zero by 30”target: the elimination of canine-mediated human rabies by the year 2030. Through collaboration with state veterinary services and community veterinary clinics, the project not only provides mass vaccinations but also strengthens community awareness, facilitates outbreak investigations, and supports access to post-exposure prophylaxis. Together, these efforts bring us closer to the goal of achieving at least 70% vaccination coverage and reducing dog populations responsibly. Let us all, whether in state service or private practice, continue to play our part in securing a human-rabies-free future. This past month, I had the privilege of attending Faculty Day at the University of Pretoria, where research presentations reflected both high scientific quality and direct relevance to the profession. The calibre of undergraduate presentations was particularly inspiring, demonstrating not only technical skill but also confidence and clarity in communication. A presentation on the role of veterinary telemedicine, especially in rural practice, resonated deeply as it addressed an urgent and practical challenge for our profession. I also had the pleasure of attending the SASVEPM Congress 2025, where SAVA’s collaboration with SASVEPM, particularly through training linked to the HWSETA programme, was reinforced. I extend my sincere thanks to SASVEPM for their hospitality and professionalism. The recently released report from the Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use held in July 2025 highlights several important issues that require SAVA’s continued contribution. The National Department of Agriculture emphasised the need to work towards prohibiting the use of growth promoters, not only to align with international trade requirements but also to safeguard local food safety. Many countries and regions have already banned or restricted the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and may impose import restrictions on animal products originating from countries that do not comply. The meeting further highlighted gaps in surveillance on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial usage (AMU), noting their impact on compliance with international standards. Concern was raised regarding the continued availability of over-the-counter antimicrobials, which remain a barrier to establishing harmonised veterinary oversight and limit access to high-value global markets. Engagement on this matter will continue, and SAVA remains committed to contributing constructively to national and international discussions. Looking ahead, an important event for the profession is the upcoming SSC Government-Industry Collaboration Workshop (3–4 September 2025), a joint initiative between South Africa and Denmark. This meeting will provide an opportunity to share experiences in strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance, biosecurity, and controlled disease outbreak management. Further to this, as an association, we must remain mindful of the Animal Health Act and prepare to contribute meaningfully to the forthcoming public consultation process on its regulations. We trust that the National Department of Agriculture will provide adequate opportunity for stakeholder engagement, and in the meantime, I encourage all colleagues to re-familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act. In October, we look forward to participating in the Agri-SA Atlas at the Future of Agriculture Congress. It promises to be an essential integrative experience, considering the impacts of factors such as climate change on agriculture and a possible way forward. Despite these positive developments, our profession continues to carry the weight of the ongoing absence of a functioning Veterinary Council. This gap has far-reaching implications for governance, oversight, and the regulation of veterinary practice in South Africa. I urge members to remain patient and to allow due process to unfold, as the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and the Minister’s office work towards a resolution in the best interests of the profession. I also encourage colleagues to rely only on credible and verified information regarding this matter. SAVA will ensure that all official updates and communications are promptly shared with members. At the same time, SAVA remains steadfast in its commitment to seeking constructive solutions. We have formally expressed our willingness to assist in facilitating a resolution to this critical issue, and we will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to help safeguard the integrity and stability of the profession. Finally, I wish to acknowledge V-Tech for their generous sponsorship of my attendance at the World Veterinary Congress in Washington. I extend particular thanks to Dr. Oosthuyse and his team, who continue to provide invaluable support to SAVA, especially in stakeholder communication. It is my sincere hope that this partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength and expand into other areas of collaboration. Colleagues, as we embrace Rabies Month and reflect on our shared achievements, let us also look forward with optimism. May September bring new beginnings—for our profession, for our institutions, and for the communities we serve. v Groetnis! Ziyanda From the President Dear members, To Progress!
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