28 Feb 2013

The decline of Botswana’s beef industry has been blamed on the acute shortage of veterinary officers (VETS) in the country.

With a population of over two million cattle, Botswana needs at least 130 veterinary officers against the 55 that the country currently has.

Giving evidence before the Parliamentary Special Select Committee set up to investigate the  cause of the decline in the beef industry, Dr Neo Mapitse of the World Organisation for Animal Health submitted that the situation was also compounded by the fact that some of the  officers had been assigned to areas that had nothing to do with veterinary work. 

He said this was shortsightedness on the part of the Department of Veterinary Services. However, the situation could still be remedied, he said.

Dr Mapitse further argued that  government had employed more supporting staff than veterinary officers, advising that the number of supporting staff be reduced from 729 to 416 in order to create vacancies for veterinary officers. 

He also decried low salaries of the officers, which he said had potential to dampen their morale. He proposed a salary increase of between 20 to 30 per cent for them.

Dr Mapitse also observed that the Department of Veterinary Services did not have the competence to carry out swift and timely risk analysis and recommended strengthening the competency of the department in the area.

He also said the department needed to review its disease control programmes which should include decommissioning certain disease control fences and gates.

Asked by the committee what action could have been taken against some VET officers in the Maun area who were alleged to have failed the department by not responding timely to the outbreak of the FMD in the area, Dr Mapitse said it should be investigated whether they did so professionally or if there were ethical considerations.

He also submitted that the country should also have a veterinary council that would assist in the disciplinary hearings of officers who neglected their job.

Asked again whether there was political interference at the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Mapitse answered in the negative.

“Instead, there is political commitment and support and the director of the department is technically independent.”

Other problems that Dr Mapitse submitted raised  included poor traceability of animals, meat inspection and the chain of command in the Department of Veterinary Services. 

Still to testify before the committee are former president, Sir Ketumile Masire and former BMC general manager-cattle procurement Mr Clive Marshal.

The committee comprises of  Mr Mephato Reatile as Chairperson, MPs Frank Ramsden of Maun East, Gilson Saleshando of Selebi Phikwe West, Prince Maele of Tswapomg North, John Toto of Kgalagadi South, Gilbert Mangole of Kgatleng West, Taolo Habano of Ngamiland, and Kagiso Molatlhegi of Gaborone South. ENDS