Preservation of the South African pig herd’s excellent health status, compared to most other countries in the world, is one of SAPPO’s major priorities. The NPHW Committee’s policies, projects and decisions are implemented via the head of Consumer Assurance, Dr Peter Evans. He can be contacted at tel no 012-361 3920 or vet@sapork.com.

Although producers have always realised the value of high animal health standards for their businesses, the value of a constant focus on the health of the national herd was placed under the spotlight when two serious exotic pig diseases were identified in the country in the early 2000’s. The outbreaks of PRRS in 2004 and Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in 2005 underlined the importance of a high health status on farms.

Fast and timely reaction to the outbreaks by members of SAPPO, with the support of the national veterinary authorities and private pig practitioners, enabled South Africa to successfully eradicate both these diseases.

SAPPO has an excellent working relationship with the national veterinary authorities and cooperates with them on regular national serological surveys to prove the absence of many viral diseases found in other countries.

Click here for a list of pig veterinarians and their contact detail.