WINDHOEK – A record number of 260 765 head of cattle were imported by South Africa from Namibia since January this year compared to 68 196 in the corresponding period last year. This represents a dramatic increase of 282% in imports of live cattle by South Africa.
According to a promotional article by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation of South Africa, the massive influx of animals has put border authorities of both countries and their directorates of animal health under tremendous pressure. “The risk of spreading disease as a result of cross-border trade cannot be over-emphasised. Agri Alert and the RPO are in the process of conducting a comprehensive plan to address these issues and support the government in combating the scourge. The main goal of the plan will be to protect the national beef herd and better manage similar occurrences in future,” the article states.
According to the article, the high number of cattle being imported by South Africa also has the potential to cause problems when normal rain patterns resume.
New Era earlier reported that the price of weaner calf and beef producer prices are under pressure due to the high price of maize and the drought in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The situation has been made worse by the depreciating buying power of consumers and South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease status.
Since January this year, higher animal slaughterings were reported in all three above-mentioned countries while it also transpired that record numbers of animals from Namibia were imported by South Africa since March 2012 already.
Average prices paid during the period from January to October this year fluctuated between N$2 500 and N$3 000. Experts in the field say it is difficult to interpret these prices, as the weight of cattle was not available in many cases. However, it can be assumed that low prices were realised, as the animals were not in good condition due to the drought.
Namibia and South Africa have signed an agreement according to which only cattle destined for a feedlot or abattoir can be imported from that country. However, Agri Alert in South Africa says it is aware of cases where this regulation has not been followed.
As a result of the drought in the three countries, producers have been marketing their breeding stock and will need to replenish it. The resulting demand for breeding animals could result in many more cattle crossing the borders in an uncontrolled manner, thus increasing the risk of diseases spreading.
It may even lead to the illegal movement of animals from redline areas such as beyond Namibia’s own veterinary cordon fence. New Era recently reported on the massive numbers of cattle being scooped up by Angolan markets. Although the Omaheke Regional Council has virtually clinched a deal with their counterparts in the south of Angola by which cattle will be sold and exported legally to our northern neighbour, it also became known that small groups of Angolan businessmen were buying cattle from drought-stricken Namibian farmers north of the redline without adhering to the Namibian regulations regarding cattle exports to neighbouring countries.
By Deon Schlechter