NEWS
Livestock census under way in Gauteng
A
province-wide
livestock census is to
be undertaken in
Gauteng by the veterinary
services division of the
Gauteng Dept of Agriculture
& Rural Development
(GDard) between May and
July. The census is aimed at
establishing the size of the
animal population in the
province, as well as their
location.
The livestock census helps the
veterinary services division
assist farmers with animal
health management, as well
as in planning and execution
of disease interventions and
risk assessment.
According to GDard, only
6,2% of households in
Gauteng are broadly defined
as agricultural households,
while under stricter definition
only 2,6% are classified as
agricultural households.
Our own figures show that
there are roughly 25 000
smallholdings in the province,
and 80% of those keep some
form of livestock, with 63% of
the total keeping two or more
species. Domestic animals
(dogs and cats) and exotic
pets are the most frequently
kept animals, with poultry,
waterfowl, sheep, horses,
cattle and pigs following in
that order.
However, with most of these
properties being relatively
small (ie smalholdings) the
livestock on them, although
few in number per property,
live relatively close to each
other, and are therefore more
susceptible to the transmission
of disease from property to
property than herds on larger
agricultural properties.
That, and the fact that many
smallholders are either
neglectful or ignorant of
regular vaccination and
dosage requirements for their
animals means that outbreaks
of disease can spread very
quickly, and cause considerable loss, in the region.
Veterinary officials undertaking the census will go to
farmers and households who
have livestock to conduct the
census.
All information obtained in
the exercise will be used
internally only and not given
to third parties.
Male officials will be identified
as follows by their clothing
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which will be either a khaki
shirt or brown shirt or navy
blue polo shirt marked
VETERINARY SERVICES
GAUTENG in red, or by a
khaki and green shirt marked
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