Exporting pork from South Africa is defined as an ‘uphill battle’ because of the country’s disease profile, the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO) reports in its monthly newsletter.
The organisation gives several examples of countries that require additional guarantees before potential exports could be started up.
Singapore has requested additional information about South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and ASF status.
The Russian team that visited South Africa earlier this year compiled a detailed report. Not a single South African facility was approved for export of any meat species to Russia. The Russian authorities indicated that they needed clarification on a number of issues from the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and that a follow up inspection would be necessary.
The major issue relating to pork was African Swine Fever (ASF). SAPPO addressed this issue by requesting DAFF to include FMD surveilance and ASF serology in all pig compartments. SAPPO will carry the costs of the ASF serological testing.
Members at SAPPO’s recent council meeting stressed that it is important that all producers work closely with the authorities to increase and maintain South Africa’s disease profile. SAPPO will also try to have ASF testing included in SAPPO’s compartment system.
DAFF is meanwhile completing a questionnaire for access to Thailand.