The Meat Board of Namibia has requested that visitors to Namibia not import cloven-hooved animal products for their own use, especially during the upcoming December and January festive season.
This is largely because of the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that have occurred in neighbouring counties, including Botswana. Control measures were therefore introduced, and the importation of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from these countries was therefore banned.
“Full cooperation regarding these measures must be given to the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Any meat or meat products brought into Namibia without a veterinary import permit will be confiscated.”
The Meat Board has identified a meat route that stretches across the country where tourists are able to buy meat and meat products, it noted.
Brochures of this route are available at border posts as well as on the website of the Meat Board.
Up to date
In other news, the board requested producers to update their herd statements on the national livestock identification and traceability system – NamLITS.
“Animals that no longer exist appear on the farm’s herd statement; alternatively, there are animals on the farm that do not appear on the herd statement.”
The Meat Board said that producers who do not have access to NamLITS online are requested to submit the information to their nearest state veterinarian office as soon as possible.
This includes their latest contact details, an updated herd list, and updated herd numbers, as well as the stock brands that are active per farm. The intention is to bring the data on NamLITS up to date in order to improve the usability of the system.
Awareness
Furthermore, the Meat Board will present its annual abattoir and slaughter hygiene training on 1 December at the Namatubis abattoir in Outjo.
The training will focus on abattoir and especially slaughter hygiene to make industry players aware of the importance of meat hygiene.
“Meat is a very successful medium for bacteria, and is the second largest cause of food-related diseases worldwide. Eggs are number one.”
It said that during this training, emphasis will also be placed on animal welfare.
According to the Meat Board, animal welfare has a direct effect on meat quality, but is also the responsibility of every producer towards the animal.
[Source – Republikein]