The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) has raised urgent alarms about the recent suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The association reveals that the sudden termination has significant repercussions not only on health services but also on essential veterinary programmes that are vital to maintaining public health safety in South Africa.

Dr Paul van der Merwe, interim managing director of SAVA, articulated the dire implications of this funding withdrawal.

Van der Merwe explained that the abrupt funding stop has closed many important programmes, threatening years of progress in controlling epidemics and endangering public health.

He says the combination of decreased international aid and a diminishing pool of veterinary professionals significantly hampers South Africa’s public health infrastructure.

“Without immediate intervention to retain veterinary professionals and secure alternative funding sources,” he stated, “the nation faces increased risks of disease outbreaks, compromised food safety, and significant economic repercussions.”

This illustrates a grim picture for both animal and human populations, as the health of one is intrinsically linked to the other.

He further elaborated on the critical role of veterinary public health, pointing to the interconnectedness of animal diseases and human health.

“Various animal diseases can spill over to humans (zoonotic diseases),” he explained, indicating that products derived from animals can also transport infectious agents.

He also cited avian influenza as a prime example; carried by migratory birds, it can contaminate domestic poultry and pose risks to human health as well.

The effective management of such zoonotic threats requires robust field epidemiology, an area that has historically benefitted from USAID’s support.

Van der Merwe emphasised that a capable veterinary workforce, along with laboratory and research capabilities, is paramount for South Africa to track and mitigate infectious diseases.

“To be able to do that, a country needs an effective field epidemiology service,” he remarked, underlining the critical nature of this funding in maintaining animal and public health.

The SAVA is now in discussions with the minister of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) over the challenges stemming from the critical shortage of veterinarians in the country.

He further mentioned that the association has initiated a funding proposal for a mentorship programme aimed at nurturing young veterinarians. Unfortunately, recent developments suggest this proposal may not receive the consideration it urgently requires, placing the mentorship initiative at risk.

Expressing a glimmer of hope, Van der Merwe stated, “If the factors driving emigration can be identified and addressed and an enabling environment is created, the resilience of veterinary professionals is such that these challenges could be overcome. It is time to put politics aside and address the challenges within the profession in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and humans alike,” he stressed.

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za