South Africa resumes animal genetic material exports
South Africa has resumed exports of animal genetic materials for the
first time since the 2021 foot and mouth outbreak.
More than 300 Bonsmara embryos were sent to Paraguay last month after lengthy negotiations to reinstate export protocols.
Dr Pierre van Rooyen is the retired CEO of the SA Stud Book and chair of the National Genetic Export Advisory Committee.
He says South Africa was effectively shut out of the global genetics market, a major blow for local stud breeders whose animals remain in high demand.
"And now with food and mouth, they withdrew all these protocols that were in place for the exploitation of our material. Due to the fact that we lost our status of food and mouth free Country by the World Animal Disease Society."
READ: New Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak confirmed in Free State
Van Rooyen says South Africa’s indigenous breeds are especially prized for their hardiness, adaptability and production ability backed by trusted breeding systems and performance records.
However, he adds that people are still very anxious to get our genetic material, which is why there are negotiations with various countries to get new protocols so they can accept the material.
"Regardless the fact that we have foot and mouth, there are certain restrictions and certain guidelines for this, and this is a quite elaborate type of negotiation. The thing is that the negotiations can only be done on the interdepartmental of level. In other words, between the Department of Animal Diseases in South Africa and the department on the other side."
Van Rooyen says the Red Meat Producers Organisation set up the advisory committee to help government fast-track the technical paperwork needed to reopen international trade.
He is warning that with new outbreaks in the country; foot-and-mouth remains a serious barrier to expanding exports further.
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