THE MEAT BOARD EXTENDS NEW YEAR’S WISHES OF PROSPERITY TO EVERY ROLE PLAYER
We pray that our country will be blessed with abundant rain to relieve man and beast and that our Heavenly Father will grant all the decision makers the wisdom to bring about peace and prosperity to all the role players.
THE MEAT BOARD URGES USERS TO BE MINDFUL WITH THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS
Consumers across the globe are increasingly opposed to the use of antibiotics. Namibia, as a meat export country, is judged according to its management of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics, under certain conditions, is allowed. These conditions include that antibiotics may only be used if recommended and prescribed by a veterinarian. It is imperative to adhere to the withdrawal periods to avoid residue in the meat. The Directorate Veterinary Services has urged all role players to keep complete records of the import, distribution, sales and usage of these drugs. The availability of these records enables the Directorate to certify Namibia’s meat exports with increased confidence. In case of any uncertainty, contact your nearest state or private veterinarian.
MEAT BOARD’S PROGRESS WITH THE OPERATIONALISATION OF THE KATIMA MULILO EXPORT ABATTOIR
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry requested the assistance of The Meat Board with the operationalisation of the Katima Mulilo export abattoir. Funding for the process was transferred to The Meat Board. Contractors for the provision and service of cooling, water, electricity and security have already been appointed and are on site. The abattoir should be able to commence with test slaughtering before the end of February 2020, depending on the completion date of the repair of the Katima Mulilo quarantine camp. Meat producers from the Zambesi region have not had access to a formal market for the last five years. All cattle that are offered for slaughter at the abattoir must adhere to the requirements of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommendations for Commodity-based trade (“CBT”).
MEAT BOARD INCREASES STOCK BRAND ADMINISTRATION FEES FROM 1 JANUARY 2020
To cover the administration costs of issuing stock brands, The Meat Board adjusted the following administration fees:
- Registration of a new stock brand: N$142.00
- Transfer of a stock brand: N$51.00
- Issuing of a duplicate certificate of a stock brand: N$90.00
Fee increases have come into effect since 1 January 2020 and annually increase in line with the official inflation rate. The Meat Board performs the administration of stock brands, which is done on a cost recovery basis, on behalf of the Registrar of Stock Brands (who is the Directorate Veterinary Services).
DEADLINE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH SUBMISSION DECLARATION:
Producers are reminded that the animal health declarations for the period July to December must be submitted by the end of January. These Animal Health Declarations can be submitted online through NamLITS online or in hard copy. Hard copies must be submitted to your local state veterinarian. Producers are further reminded that a “proof of receipt” slip must be requested from the state veterinarian’s office when the declaration is submitted.
