Namibian border reopens for import of South Africa's bull semen

South Africa’s animal health status has resulted in our borders being closed to some of our livestock products and livestock exports. The main reason is the loss of our foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status and subsequent outbreaks of the disease. According to a statement by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), exports of certain products (including red meat) to various countries have resumed and reached new heights in the past year. However, the country’s borders have remained closed to the export of genetic material. This includes live animals for breeding purposes, semen and embryos. RPO members have made several requests to the organisation to intervene in order to restore the export of genetic material. After pressure was applied by the RPO, the National Genetic Export Advisory Committee, or NGEAC, was established under the leadership of Dr Pierre van Rooyen under the auspices of the National Animal Health Forum (NAHF). The aim is to drive the negotiation of ...