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in Farmer's Inside Track

Afrivet champions animal health education across Mzansi

Afrivet recently showcased their expertise at the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town. Dr Didi Claassen and her team presented new solutions to improve animal health and welfare, highlighting Afrivet's dedication to supporting South African farmers

by Octavia Avesca Spandiel
24th May 2024
Afrivet team: Dr Didi Claassen, general manager of training and technical services; Dr Stefan Steyn, technical and regulatory veterinarian; Dr Sakhi Nkosi, technical veterinarian; Dr Caryn Shacklock, laboratory manager: Howick; Kenneth Malatji, animal health technician; Dr Rudel Zowitsky, technical veterinarian; and Siyanda Mabaso, learnership manager. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Afrivet team: Dr Didi Claassen, general manager of training and technical services; Dr Stefan Steyn, technical and regulatory veterinarian; Dr Sakhi Nkosi, technical veterinarian; Dr Caryn Shacklock, laboratory manager: Howick; Kenneth Malatji, animal health technician; Dr Rudel Zowitsky, technical veterinarian; and Siyanda Mabaso, learnership manager. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

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Afrivet plays a crucial role in South African agriculture by providing veterinary products and services essential for animal health and welfare. They also offer expertise and support to farmers in managing livestock health and productivity, among many other services.

Their dedicated team has had a busy start to the year, participating in some of the agricultural sector’s most prominent events. In this episode, we hear from various members of the Afrivet team about their activities and key lessons learned.

Dr Didi Claassen, the general manager of Afrivet training and technical services, emphasised the importance of Afrivet’s participation in the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress held in Cape Town recently.

Claassen said, “It was an amazing privilege and honour to present at the congress. Our team and I had the opportunity to present our passions and interests, sponsored by Afrivet.”

It was technical veterinarian Dr Rudel Zowitsky’s first-time experience at the congress. She noted the challenges of attending multiple lectures, ranging from companion animals to ruminant veterinary practices, underscoring the event’s extensive learning opportunities.

Collaborating to support farmers better

Dr Saki Nkosi, another technical veterinarian, highlighted the launch of two new Afrivet products during the congress. “At Afrivet, we are more determined to speak to the African farmer and continuously look at solutions that will work for them.”

Although the details of these products are currently reserved for veterinary professionals, Nkosi emphasised their role in alleviating animal pain and enhancing recovery.

Claassen concluded by praising initiatives like Food For Mzansi and Afrivet’s training efforts for their roles in providing essential information and support to farmers.

“I know there are people working very hard and they are successful. So [we do what we need to share information] and I think Food For Mzansi and AfriVet are doing a lot to contribute to the [industry],” she says proudly.

In this episode, they also discuss:
  • Lessons learned and innovation in animal health;
  • The importance of outreach and education regarding animals;
  • The importance of future education within the veterinary field.

Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track. 

Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).

Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device. 

Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

ALSO READ: Keep an eye out for cattle lice infestations

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Octavia Avesca Spandiel

Raised by a close-knitted family who loves her deeply, Octavia believes in the philosophy of ‘I am because you are'. This former news and content editor for radio is now living her best life in the agricultural sector as a commercial journalist at Food For Mzansi. Her soft spot for poetry and passion for life, writing and traveling inspires her to write compelling stories. Apart from being an excellent writer, Octavia has an educational background in youth work and loves working with people. 

Tags: AfrivetAnimal healthCommercialised farmerCommercialising farmerPodcastTeach me
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