Vetnews | Maart 2026 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS This edition of Vetnews focuses on three critically important and interconnected themes within the veterinary and environmental health space — biodiversity, animal poisoning, and tuberculosis (TB). These issues highlight the essential role veterinarians play in protecting ecosystem health, safeguarding animal welfare, and advancing public and environmental health within an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The veterinary profession remains central to the One Health approach, working at the interface between animals, people, and the environment. The past month marked an important milestone for the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), as we convened our first strategic planning session to advance collaboration through Memoranda of agreement with our affiliate organisations. These discussions represent meaningful progress toward building a unified, sustainable, and responsive professional community. We also engaged constructively with the Executive of the South African Association of Animal Health Technicians (SAAHT), with encouraging progress made toward strengthening cooperation and alignment between veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals in support of accessible and effective veterinary services. The South African Veterinary Association extends its congratulations to the World Veterinary Association and the Japan Veterinary Medical Association as they prepare to host the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress in Tokyo, Japan, from 21–24 April 2026, under the theme “Veterinary Medicine for One Health”. The Congress remains a key global platform for advancing veterinary science, professional collaboration, and One Health leadership. SAVA wishes the organisers every success in delivering a successful and impactful Congress. We further thank V-Tech for their continued sponsorship and support in enabling participation in these important international engagements and strengthening SAVA’s marketing initiatives. We further extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Olatunji Nasir on his historic election as President-Elect of the World Veterinary Association (WVA). This marks a proud milestone for the global profession, as it is the first time the Association will have an African President-Elect. His election reflects the growing leadership and influence of African veterinarians internationally, and SAVA looks forward to working closely with Dr Nasir in advancing shared continental and global veterinary priorities. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a priority animal health concern nationally, with continued efforts underway to stabilise and contain the outbreak. The government received additional vaccine supplies during the past month, with further vaccine orders anticipated over the coming weeks to sustain the national response. Provinces that had previously exhausted vaccine stocks have now resumed vaccination campaigns, largely implemented on a risk-based approach targeting high-risk areas and susceptible livestock populations. An important development is the inclusion of private veterinarians in the vaccination programme. Permission will be granted for private practitioners to undertake vaccinations in closer cooperation with State Veterinary Services, while State Veterinarians retain oversight to ensure appropriate implementation, traceability, and alignment with national disease control measures. These developments reinforce the importance of coordinated action between government, private veterinarians, industry, and livestock owners in achieving sustainable disease control. This month, we will once again recognise excellence within the profession during the Faculty Prize Giving Day, celebrating the academic achievement and dedication of veterinary professionals who nurture the future leadership of veterinary science in South Africa. Looking ahead, the Association enters an active governance period, with upcoming EXCO, FINCO, and FEDCO meetings, where strategic, financial, and organisational priorities will continue to be advanced in support of a resilient and member-focused SAVA. We are equally pleased to announce that the call for nominations for the SAVA Awards has been circulated. These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise excellence, leadership, and outstanding contributions within our profession, and members are encouraged to participate actively in acknowledging colleagues who continue to elevate veterinary science and service in South Africa. As we move forward, SAVA remains committed to strengthening professional unity, advancing scientific leadership, and ensuring that the veterinary profession continues to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity protection, animal health, and societal wellbeing. Together, the real work continues. v Groetnis! Ziyanda From the President Dear members, Vets at work, focusing on sustainable ecosystems
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