Big things are coming to agriculture – African Farming

Agriculture and livestock production are important contributors to the South African economy. It follows that keeping the country’s animal herds healthy is essential to ensure a secure future for the sector. This depends largely on animal vaccines that have been effective in protecting livestock production in South Africa for more than 100 years. 

“Great things are coming in the agriculture sector,” says Afrivet learnership manager Siyanda Mabaso. “I’m excited about new improved vaccines that will soon be released. Some of the vaccines we have are no longer effective, because there are a lot of genetic shifts in the strains currently circulating in the field.”

He also points out that new diagnostic approaches will help curb current outbreaks the country is facing, alongside affordable over-the-counter products that will soon become available.

When it comes to curbing disease, Afrivet already plays an important role with one of its recently launched standout products, A.C.T LA. It is a long-acting disinfectant that is scientifically proven to eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also protects your animals from the most economically important livestock diseases including foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.

The company also recently rolled out a pilot vaccination campaign for pigs in Upper Gxulu near Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape. Members of the Afrivet One Health Team spent a week in this village to tackle neurocysticercosis, a preventable parasitic infection caused by larval cysts of the pork tapeworm that has infested the rural pig population in the village.

Another indication of exciting things to come in the agriculture sector, Mabaso says, is the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza in May this year.

“If we have the right people with the relevant skills in place, agriculture will be in the driving seat to resuscitate our economy post Covid-19,” he concludes.

To find out more, visit www.afrivet.co.za