South Africa’s lack of a reliable biosecurity disease control system is not only jeopardising food safety and profitability but also trust between consumers and farmers. This is a serious concern as it endangers the entire agricultural sector’s integrity and stability.
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, shares his concerns about biosecurity in South Africa. He talks about issues like the lack of awareness, and oversight, as well as the unlawful transportation of animals and more.
“Biosecurity is one of the biggest challenges we face. For the last 10 years there has been an increase in animal disease [outbreaks],” Hudson explains.
Make it a priority
According to Hudson, South Africa faces various animal diseases that can significantly impact its agricultural sector. Some of the main animal diseases include foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and avian influenza (bird flu).
“There is so much that needs to get done that requires both government and the private sector to work together. There’s a lack of response to outbreaks, the management thereof, and the controls in place. It comes down to a lack of capacity but also coordination and the effective coordination being led by government,” he says.
In this episode, Hudson also discusses:
- The long-term impact of disease outbreaks on farms;
- Inefficiencies in addressing biosecurity challenges; and
- Why biosecurity requires top attention.
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