31
Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing ANNUAL REPORT DIRECTORATE OF ANIMAL HEALTH 1 April 1988 – 31 March 1989
Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing
ANNUAL REPORT
DIRECTORATE OF ANIMAL HEALTH
1 April 1988 – 31 March 1989
2CONTENTS
1. Introduction..............................................................................1 Structure of the Directorate of Animal Health ..........................1 2. Controlled animal diseases .....................................................5 2.1 Foot-and-mouth disease .........................................................5 2.2 Tuberculosis ............................................................................5 2.3 Brucellosis ...............................................................................5 2.4 Rabies .....................................................................................6 2.5 Anthrax ....................................................................................6 2.6 Sheep scab .............................................................................7 2.7 Bovine malignant catarrh (snotsiekte) .....................................8 2.8 Johne’s disease.......................................................................8 2.9 African swine fever ..................................................................8 2.10 Corridor disease ......................................................................8 2.11 Equine contagious metritis ......................................................8 2.12 Newcastle disease...................................................................8 2.13 Swine erysipelas......................................................................8 2.14 Psittacosis ...............................................................................9 2.15 Equine influenza......................................................................9 2.16 Dourine....................................................................................9 2.17 Virus arteritis in horses ............................................................9 2.18 Contageious pancreatic necrosis ............................................9 3. Non-controlled animal diseases ..............................................9 3.1 Bacterial diseases ...................................................................9 3.1.1 Botulism...................................................................................9 3.1.2 Haemophilus somnus..............................................................9 3.1.3 Pasteurellosis ..........................................................................9 3.2 Viral diseases ..........................................................................9 3.2.1 Jaagsiekte ...............................................................................9 3.3 Rickettsial diseases .................................................................9 3.3.1 Heartwater ...............................................................................9 3.4 Protozoal diseases ..................................................................10 3.4.1 Redwater .................................................................................10 3.4.2 Theileriosis ..............................................................................10 3.5 Poulry diseases .......................................................................10 3.6 Pig diseases ............................................................................10 3.6.1 Escherichia coli 0157:k in suckling pigs...................................10 3.6.2 Streptococcus suis ..................................................................10 3.6.3 Staphylococcus hyicus ............................................................10 3.7 Diseases of other animal species............................................10 3.7.1. Ostrich diseases......................................................................10 3.8 Poisoning.................................................................................10 3.8.1. Plant poisoning........................................................................10 3.8.2 Mineral poisoning ....................................................................10 3.8.3 Fungal toxicosis.......................................................................11 3.9 External parasites....................................................................11 3.10 Deficiency diseases and malnutrition ......................................11 4. Reproduction ...........................................................................11 4.1 Fertility examinations...............................................................11 4.2 Artificial insemination...............................................................11
34.3 Reproduction diseases............................................................11 5. Laboratory services .................................................................12 5.1 Applied research and problem investigations..........................12 5.1.1 Foot-and-mouth disease .........................................................12 5.1.2 Corridor disease ......................................................................12 5.1.3 Branhamella (Moraxella) ovis ..................................................12 5.1.4 Bolo disease............................................................................12 5.1.5 Mastitis ....................................................................................12 5.1.6 Laboratory investigations carried out.......................................12 5.1.7 Services rendered ...................................................................12 6. Stock inspection service ..........................................................12 7. Animal health extension service ..............................................12 8. Liaison .....................................................................................14 9. Import and export control.........................................................14 10. Training ...................................................................................14 11. Legislation ...............................................................................16 12. Livestock census .....................................................................16
41. INTRODUCTION On 1 August 1988 the status of the Directorate of Veterinary Service changed to that of a Chief Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing. The Subdirectorates Animal Health and Meat Hygiene simultaneously became full directorates under the Chief Directorate of Veterinary Services. The overall objective of the Directorate is the promotion of animal health by means of functional actions such as combating controlled and non-controlled animal diseases, import and export control, rendering diagnostic and laboratory services, operating animal health schemes, extension, training and liaison. Most parts of the country had good to exceptionally good rains during the year under review. Despite this the expected increase in insect-transmitted diseases such as Rift Valley fever and Wesselsbron disease did not occur. He southern coastal areas of RSA were in the grip of a drought. An outbreak of foot-and –mouth disease occurred among impala in the Kruger National Pak. The outbreak was well under control and after 4 months there were no more clinical cases. The number of confirmed cases of rabies declined throughout the country. There were 3 outbreaks of anthrax. There is concern about the low percentage of cattle that are vaccinated against the disease in the RSA. There was a sharp increase in the number of sheep scab outbreaks. This trend can possibly be attributed to the fact that many farmers do not realise the gravity of the disease and its economic consequences. After Johne’s disease had not been diagnosed in sheep since 1969, a number of outbreaks occurred. The disease seems to be restricted to a few flocks. Several workshops were held to solve problems. These and other workshops that were held in a spirit of participating management, were highly successful.
5 Structur
Dr. P P Bosman - Director
Head Office Regions
Dr. W M H Löwe Deputy Director
e of the Directorate of Animal Health
Dr. J Krige Deputy Director
Dr. G K Brückner Deputy Director
Dr. A Faul Deputy Director
Dr. H E van der Pypekamp Regional Director, Transvaal
Dr. C J Coetzee Regional Dir, N and E Transvaal Dr. H H van Niekerk Regional Director, HighveldDr. R R van der Veen Regional Director, OFS
Dr. P J Posthumus Regional Director, Natal Dr. C van N Jonker Regional Dir, E Cape and Karoo Vacant Regional Director, W Cape
6 ADDRESS LIST Director: Animal Health Private Bag X 138 0001 PETORIA Tel: (012) 206-9111 Fax: (012) 206-3309
State Veterinarians Transvaal Region Private Bag X 369 0001 PRETORIA Tel (012) 285140
Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region – continued P O Box 2408 0920 LOUIS TRICHARDT Tel(01551) 4271/2
Regional Directors Transvaal Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 369 0001 PRETORIA Tel (012) 28 5140
Private Bag X A4 2380 PIET RETIEF Tel (01343)2103
P O Box 94 1120 LYDENBURG Tel (01323) 2071
Highveld Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 934 2520 POTCHEFSTROOM Tel (0148) 4358/9/0
Private Bag X 9025 2350 ERMELO Tel (0341)5812
P O Box 741 1200 NELSPRUIT Tel (01311) 53247
Natal Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 9005 3200 PIETERMARITZBURG Tel (0331) 47 1391/2/3
Private Bag X 82087 0300 RUSTENBURG Tel (0142) 29281
Private Bag X 2486 0600 POTGIETERSRUS Tel (01541) 2155/6/7
Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 9379 0700 PIETERSBURG Tel (01521) 74827/8/9
Private Bag X 17 2000 JOHANNESBURG Tel (011)8385603
Highveld Region Private Bag X 927 2520 POTCHEFSTROOM Tel (0148)5378/9
Free State Region Directorate of Animal Health P O Box 502 9300 BLOEMFONTEIN Tel (051) 470407/8/9
P O Box 68 2430 STANDERTON Tel (01330)21384
Private Bag X 28 9500 KROONSTAD Tel (01411) 32001/1
Eastern Cape and Karoo Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 1299 6006 CENTRAHILL Tel: (041) 524190/1/2/30
Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region Private Bag X 9379 0700 PIETERSBURG Tel (01521) 688/93
Private Bag X 21 9700 BETHLEHEM Tel (01431) 35167
Western Cape Region Directorate of Animal Health Private Bag X 5028 7600 STELLENBOSCH Tel: (02231)70144/96
Private Bag X209 0555 ELLISRAS Tel(01536)32137
Private Bag X 12040 2740 LICHTENRG Tel (01441) 24061/2
P O Box 33 2670 HOOPSTAD Tel (017442) ask for 35
7 Free State Region P O Box 502 9300 BLOEMFONTEIN Tel (051) 313677
Eastern Cape Region Private Bag X 12998 6006 CENTRAHILL Tel (041)55907/8
Western Cape continued P O Box 167 6740 SWELLENDAM Tel: (0291) 41670
P O Box 31 8460 KURUMAN Tel (0147) 21030
P O Box 41 6140 GRAHAMSTOWN Tel (0461) 27112
P O Box 411 8160 VREDENDAL Tel: (0271) 33106
P O Box 5 9978 FAURESMITH Tel (05822) ask for 182
Private Bag X7093 5320 QUEENSTOWN Tel (0451) 2030
Veterinary laboratories (Officer in charge) Transvaal region Private Bag X9025 2350 ERMELO
P O Box 45 8800 UPINGTON Tel (0541) 2531
Private Bag X536 6970 BEAUFORT WEST Tel (0201) 21536
Poultry Diagnostics C/o VRI P O ONDERSTEPOORT 0110
P O Box311 8300 KIMBERLEY Tel (0531) 24241/2
Private Bag X532 5900 MIDDELBURG CP Tel(0483) 2536
Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region Private Bag X2486 0600 POTGIETERSRUS
Private Bag X 19 8600 VRYBURG Tel (01451) 2274/5
P O Box 85 7000 DE AAR Tel (0571) 2592
Private Bag X 2408 0920 LOUIS TRICHARDT
Natal Region Private Bag X 9005 3200 PIETERMARITZBURG Tel: (0331) 471931/2/3
Private Bag X 9022 5200 EAST LONDON Tel (0431) 23081
Highveld Region Private Bag X 939 2520 POTCHEFSTROOM P O Box 625 9500 KROONSTAD
P O Box 19 3310 ESTCOURT Tel: (03631) 23119
Western Cape Private Bag X 5055 7600 STELLENBOSCH Tel (02231) 75190
Natal Region Private Bag X9005 3200 PIETERMARITZBURG P O Box 96 3100 VRYHEID
P O Box 920 4000 DURBAN Tel (031) 326731/2
P O Box 247 7300 MALMESBURY Tel (0224) 2/1380
Eastern Cape Region Private Bag X 536 6970 BEAUFOT WEST P O Box 41 6140 GRAHAMSTOWN
P O Box 920 3960 HLUHLUWE Tel(03562) ask for 6
P O Box 30 6530 CALVINIA Tel (02772) ask for 45
Private Bag X 7093 5320 QUEENSTOWN Private Bag X 528 5900 MIDDELBURG, CAPE
P O Box 96 3000 DUNDEE Tel 0314) 2288
Private Bag X6525 6530 GEORGE Tel (0441) 5527
Free State Region P O Box 6252 9300 BLOEMFONTEIN Private Bag X19 8600 VRYBURG
P O Box 17 4630 IXOPO Tel (033614) ask for 22
P O Box 168 8000 CAPE TOWN Tel (021) 457565
Western Cape Region Private Bag X5020 7600 STELLENBOSCH P O Box 30 8190 CALVINIA
8
Johannesburg Pretoria Ermelo Rustenburg Piet Retief
TRANSVAAL REGION (PRETORIA)
Standerton
Vet laboratory
Louis Trichardt Pietersburg Potgietersrus Ellisras Nelspruit Skukuza
NORTHERN AND EASTERN TRANSVAAL REGION (PIETERSBURG)
Lydenburg
Vet laboratory Vet laboratory Vet laboratory
Potchefstroom Hoopstad Bethlehem Kroonstad
HIGHVELD REGION (POTCHEFSTROOM)
Lichtenburg
Vet laboratory Vet laboratory
Bloemfontein Fauresmith Kuruman Vryburg Upington
NATAL REGION (PIETERMARITZBURG)
Kimberley
Vet laboratory Vet laboratory
Pietermaritzburg Vryheid Hluhluwe Estcourt Dundee Ixopo
EASTERN CAPE AND KAROO REGION (PORT ELIZABETH(
Durban
Regional lab Vet. Laboratory
Port Elizabeth East London Beaufort West Middelburg De Aar Queenstown
WESTERN CAPE REGION (STELLENBOSCH)
Grahamstad
Vet laboratory Regional lab Vet laboratory Vet laboratory
Stellenbosch Calvinia Vredendal Malmesbury Swellendam George
Cape Town
Regional lab. Vet laboratory
DISTRIBUTION OF STATE VETERINARIANS’ OFFICES AND LABORATORIES
92. CONTROLLED ANIMAL DISEASES 2.1 Foot-and-mouth disease Two outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (Type SAT 2) were diagnosed in impala. The first cases were found in the Orpen area inside the Kruger National Park (KNP) during September 1988. The second outbreak was diagnosed in the neighbouring Manyeleti game reserve of Gazankulyu shortly afterwards. The outbreak probably started in the Manyeleti game reserve and spread to the Open area. Typical of the outbreaks was that mouth lesions were more common than foot lesions. As a precautionary measure all the other game reserves in the vicinity were thoroughly inspected for foot-and-mouth disease. No further cases were traced. All game movements in the neighbouring red-line areas were temporarily stopped and all large and small stock were vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease with the Onderstepoort vaccine. Clinical end point was reached during January 1989. The embargo on game movements was lifted during March. Routine stock inspections and permit control are applied in the declared foot-and-mouth disease areas as a preventative action. The 6-monthly vaccination of cattle and the annual vaccination of small stock against foot-and-mouth disease are at present the most important protective factor in the danger areas. Officers carried out a total of 514953 vaccinations. State veterinarians instituted 11 prosecutions under the foot-and-mouth disease control measures. Only one has been finalised. A person was sentenced to a fine of R300 or 30 days imprisonment after he altered the particulars on a transport permit. 2.2 Tuberculosis TABLE 1 Tuberculosis scheme – tests carried out Programme Number of herds Cattle/programme Accreditation 582 101 111 Annual diagnostic 6 582 757 083 Herd diagnostic 8 391 772 063 Infected 323 72 679 Export/import 74 1 567 Diagnostic 97 2 682 Total 16 049 1 707 185 There was a 10% decline in the number of tuberculin tests carried out (1,707 million) compared with the previous years (1,898 million) (Table 1). There was also a 5% decline in the number of herd tests carried out (16 049) compared with 16 882 tests during the previous year. Table 2 shows the difference between the number of herd tests carried out in respect of specific test programmes. The decline in the number of herd tests carried out under the accreditation and annual diagnostic test programmes, is striking. This can mainly be attributed to the resistance still evident among farmers to privatisation of maintenance tests
10on herds with a proven negative test history. The delay in the introduction of the “milk-is-milk” scheme might also have contributed. The decrease in respect of the accredited her tests is also due to the more strict application of the requirements with which accredited herds must comply. Table 1: Number of herd tests carried out Programme Number of herds Percentage change
1988 1989 _____________________________________________________________ Accreditation 846 582 32% decrease Annual diagnostic 7 452 6 582 12% decrease Herd diagnostic 8 044 8 391 4% increase Infected 374 323 14% decrease _____________________________________________________________ During the year review 89 new infected herds were traced, while 77 infected herds gave a clean test. At the end of the year under review there were still 116 infected herds in the country. Tests of infected herds yielded 1 384 positive reactors, which represents 0,08% of the total number of cattle tested (compared with 0,11% the previous year). Of the animals that reacted positively, 1 357 were slaughtered and 48% displayed TB lesions at slaughtering. Farmers received an amount of R1 800 126 as compensation for positive cattle slaughtered (an average compensation of R1 326 per bovine). The income from carcases came to R910 980, which means a loss of 51% for the State. Remuneration paid to contracted private veterinarians came to R121 464, which is substantially less than the R423 828 paid the previous year. This downward trend was partially caused by the privatisation of the maintenance tests under the accreditation and annual diagnostic test programmes. 2.3 Brucellosis Infection was diagnosed in 1 302 herds during the year under review. Nearly half of the outbreaks and positive cattle occurred in the Highveld Region. (Fig. 1 and 2). There was again an increase in the number of tests carried out – from 1,49 million in the previous year to 1,56 million during the year under review. The percentage of positive cattle compared with the total cattle tested, showed a decline (1,42% as against 1,55% in the previous year). The percentage of positive herd tests compared with the total herd tests declined from 23,1% to 22,2%. Strain 19 vaccine was used to vaccinate 263 219 heifers, and 599 520 doses of vaccine were issued to farmers. If it is assumed that the vaccine issued was indeed used for immunisation, 862 739 heifers were vaccinated – about 100 000 more than last year. Certificates were issued to 158 accredited brucellosis herds
11– about the same number as last year. The herds to which certificates were issued represent 19 831 cattle. One prosecution was instituted where a farmer sold infected animals with a C brand at an auction. He was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of R1 000 or 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 5 years. 2.4 Rabies A total of 560 538 animals were vaccinated against rabies as a preventative measure (Fig 3 and 4). This year there were 363 confirmed cases, compared with 527 the previous year. This is a 37% decrease in confirmed cases. There was a decline in positive cases in all regions. Specimens were examined at the Veterinary Research Institute, Onderstepoort, and at the Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Allerton, Pietermaritzburg. A total of 560 538 animal were given preventative vaccinations against rabies (Fig 3 and 4).
N&ETVL11%
TVL 25%
WCP6%ECK
2%NATAL6%
OFS13%
HVLD37%
N&ETVL11%
TVL25%
WCP6%ECK
4%NATAL
5%
OFS7%
HVLD42%
12 Infected cattle Infected herds
13
14
Dog47%
Cat4%Jackal
5%
Other spp. 9%9%
Cattle16%
Meercat spp19%
15
Cattle north of the Soutpansberg are vaccinated at State expense, while in the rest of the country cattle are vaccinated on voluntary basis and at the owner’s expense. An evaluation is now made about the possible use of an oral vaccine for dogs in specific areas such as KwaZulu-Natal. 2.5 Anthrax Only three outbreaks which killed three cattle were confirmed during the year. The outbreaks occurred in the Transvaal, Free State and Eastern Cape Regions. During control actions 16 979 cattle, sheep and goats were vaccinated. As far as is known, 2 418 821 cattle were vaccinated throughout the country. This represents 29,7% of the country’s cattle population. Last year only 9,7% of the national herd was vaccinated. 2.6 Sheep scab Three-hundred-and-thirty-five outbreaks with 34 124 clinical cases were reported (Fib. 5). There was a 37,8% increase in the total number of outbreaks compared with those of last year. In follow-up actions after outbreaks, 539,479 sheep and 5,290 goats were treated or dipped. Prosecutions were instituted for 38 offences. In five cases those concerned were found guilty and in one case the State lost the case. Sentences imposed varied from a warning to a fine of R300 or 90 days imprisonment, suspended for 3 years. In one case a R200 admission of guilt was paid. The annual increase in the number of outbreaks can mainly be attributed to the following:
Dog47%
Cat4%Jackal
5%
Other spp. 9%9%
Cattle16%
Meercat spp19%
16 • The failure of farmers to dip their sheep according to law. • The fines and sentences imposed after the accused have been found guilty
do not serve as deterrent. The economic impact of sheep scab is also not adequately accepted aggravating evidence.
• Farmers’ failure to report the disease. • Stock inspectors no longer visit farms regularly because of the abolition of
regular inspection and a shortage of personnel.
2.7 Snotsiekte Thirty-three outbreaks occurred, compared with 39 in the previous year. During the outbreaks 117 cattle died, compared with 75 the previous year. In 28 of the outbreaks there has been direct or indirect contact with wildebeest, but no wildebeest were involved in five of them. Three prosecutions were instituted in the Northern and Eastern Transvaal region where wildebeest had been transported without the necessary transport permits. One case is still pending. Two cases have been dealt with and fines of R350 and R300 were imposed. 2.8 Johne’s disease This disease was again diagnosed in sheep for the first time since 1969. There were three related outbreaks with 20 cases. Outbreaks occurred at the Nooitgedacht Research Station near Ermelo (18 cases), Irene Research Station (one case) and on a farm in the Underberg district (one case). There had been regular exchanges of sheep between Nooitgedacht and Irene and sheep from
17Nooitgedacht were also moved to the farm at Underberg. It appears that the disease was brought into the country via imported rams. The flocks at Nooitgedacht and Irene were put under quarantine while the whole flock at Underberg was slaughtered. 2.9 African swine fever One outbreak involving four pigs occurred within the swine fever control area. All four pigs died. One contact pig was destroyed and compensation of R300 was paid. Within the swine fever control area, there area 95 approved piggeries accommodating 74 107 pigs. Permit control of all pigs and pig products is rigorously applied within the control area. One prosecution was instituted – against a farmer near Nylstroom who did not keep his pigs penned. He paid a R100 admission of guilt. 2.10 Corridor disease One outbreak occurred near Phalaborwa. An infected cow and her calf were taken to Skukuza for further examinations and research. 2.11 Equine contagious metritis No cases were diagnosed. In Natal and Transvaal 49 stallions and 478 mares were examined, with negative results. 2.12 Newcastle disease Eighteen outbreaks, 16 in the Northern and Eastern Transvaal, were reported. In the Northern and Eastern Transvaal an estimated 20 000 fowls died, and 154 finches died at the Jan Smuts quarantine station. 2.13 Swine erysipelas There were 73 outbreaks involving 207 pigs. Nearly 95% of these cases were diagnosed at abattoirs. The disease is easily controlled by means of treatment and vaccination. 2.14 Psittacosis Five outbreaks, killing 34 parrots and five cockatoos occurred. 2.15 Equine influenza The situation in the country is stable, after the disease was initially diagnosed country-wide. This can largely be attributed to a greater awareness of the disease among horse-owners and vaccinations that are generally carried out.
182.16 Dourine One case was diagnosed in a mare. A total of 3 355 samples were examined. 2.17 Virus arteritis in horses The disease was diagnosed for the firs time in South Africa after a semen examination on a Lippizaner stallion. Equine sera collected at the time of the country-wide outbreak of equine influenza, were also subjected to tests for virus arteritis, but were found negative. A few stallions that displayed suspect symptoms of the disease were subjected to serological tests, with negative results. A country-wide serological survey among pedigree stallions is in progress to test for the possible presence of the virus. So far more than 80% of the stallions kept by stud breeders have been tested and found to be negative. 2.18 Contagious pancreatic necrosis This disease of trout was diagnosed in May 1988 by the Diagnostic Unit of the Fish Diseases Section at Onderstepoort. The virus was isolated from the organs of fish from a fish-breeding station of the natal Parks Board (kamberg) in the Drakensberg. This unit was put under quarantine and an extensive survey was launched in September 1988 to determine whether this infection had spread. Several rivers, farm dams and breeding units in the natal Drakensberg were sampled, but no infection could be found. The quarantine was subsequently lifted. During the year under review 8,4 million trout ova were imported from Denmark, the USA and the United Kingdom to supply the needs of local producers. Two trough farms have reached certification status after 2 years of intensive testing. One trout unit in the Eastern Transvaal has so far exported 4,74 million trout ova in the northern hemisphere. 3. NON-CONTROLLEED ANIMAL DISEASES 3.1 Bacteriall diseases 3.1.1 Botulism Two outbreaks of the disease occurred where sheep ate lucerne hay. At the Glen College of Agriculture 47 sheep died in the Malmesbury area60/987 ewes died over a 2-week period. 3.2.1 Haemophilus somnus H. somnus was ilosated from the kidneys of 5-to-6-month-old Dorper ewes that died from obvious kidney lesions (purulent pyelonephritis) These organisms rarely cause pathological lesions in ewes, but they do cause abortions. Although H somnus was also isolated from sheath washes from 4/6 rams used in the flock concerned, there was no history of any abortions in the flock.
19 3.3.1 Pasteurellosis The bacteria EF-4 was isolated in the Eastern Cape and Karoo Region from the brain and other organs of two Brown Swiss calves that displayed paralysis symptoms. EF-4 corresponds closely with Pasteurella multocida and is usually found in dog bites. This was the first description of EF-4 in calves in the absence of bite wounds. 3.2 Viral diseases Faulty application of live virus vaccines to pregnant animals still occurs occasionally. In the Free State Region a farmer vaccinated 400 sheep that were 1,5 to 3,5 months pregnant with Wesselsbron disease vaccine. Some 300 of the sheep aborted. Fluid accumulation in the brain cavity was a general symptom in the lambs. Up to 100 ewes succumbed as a result of fluid accumulation in the chorion. In the Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region two farmers suffered similar losses with Rift Valley fever, Wesseslbron disease and blue tongue vaccine as a result of vaccinating pregnant animals. 3.2.1 Jaagsiekte A further five cases were diagnosed in an infected flock near Potchefstroom. In a flock near Wolmaranstad two cases were diagnosed after 30/100 sheep had died as a result of jaagsiekte over a 3 year period. On a farm near Rouxville 13/55 sheep were found to be infected with the disease. 3.3 Ricketsial diseases 3.3.1 Heartwater This disease is probably responsible for most of the losses in the livestock population in the country. More than 2000 mortalities were reported by several state veterinary offices. The disease continues to spread to areas where it has not previously been diagnosed. Among other cases, it was reported from Pearston that 60/200 Angora kids died of acute heartwater. 3.4 Protozoal diseases 3.4.1 Redwater More than 3000 cases were reported from various state veterinary offices.
203.4.2 Theileriosis After an absence of 7 years’ cerebral theileriosis (Theileria taurotragi) was diagnosed in the Potchefstroom district. Although only one case was confirmed, it is suspected that 13/600 cattle died of the disease over a 9 month period. 3.5 Poultry diseases After an absence of 2 years, contagious laryngotracheitis again occurred in Natal. Marke’s disease is an important cause of death in fowls. The Diagnostic Centre for Poultry Diseases at Onderstepoort reported 58 outbreaks in which 353 fowls were involved. Ascites or waterbelly remains a major problem in the Highveld. Avian thyphoid was diagnosed in Natal, but the problem was immediately followed up and could be solved. In Natal mycotic encephalitis (Fusarium spp.) was diagnosed after a high mortality in 2-week-old broilers. The Allterton laboratory at Pietermaritzburg confirmed the diagnoses histopathologically. Several fungal hyphae were observed in brain sections. The feed mixture yielded Fusarium spp. It is suspected that the Fusarium spores were inhaled from the feed. 3.6 Pig diseases 3.6.1 Escherichia coli 0157: K in suckling pigs The veterinary laboratory at Potgietersrus isolated the bacterium E. coli 0157:K during their investigation to find the cause of severe haemorrhagic enteritis that caused mortalities among suckling pigs. In the process other organisms that usually cause the condition were eliminated. This setorype of E. coli also causes severe haemorrhagic enteritis in man, and it does not occur in the E. coli vaccine prepared by Onderstepoort. Over the past 10 years, the serotype has only been isolated on four occasions from pigs with diarrhea at Onderstepoort. 3.6.2 Streptococcus suis This organism was isolated for the first time in the Western Cape region from an aborted pig fetus. 3.6.3 Staphylococcus hyicus In the Eastern Cape Region this bacterium was isolated from a case of greasy pig disease. About 60% of the pigs in the particular enterprise were affected. 3.7 Diseases of other animal species 3.7.1 Ostrich diseases
21A vitamin E/selenium deficiency caused the death of 700 ostrich chicks in the Prince Albert area. It was also the probable cause of cases of proventricular ulceration. In the Oudtshoorn and George districts up to 25% of young ostriches developed liver damage. Excretion of green urine, loss of appetite and emaciation were observed. Some 10% of affected birds succumbed. No organism could be isolated as being the cause of the condition, but intensive feeding and the feeding of concentrates appear to play an important role. Treating affected birds with multivitamins was fairly successful. 3.8 Poisoning 3.8.1 Plant poisoning Avocado leaf poisoning In the Pretoria area 3/12 goats became ill, and two died after eating avocado leaves. According to Onderstepoort the cause of death was heart failure. Oxalate poisoning Sheep railed over a long distance without food were fed only your green Cenchrus ciliaris on arriving at their destination. Histological examination of the sheep that subsequently died, displayed typical lesions of oxalate poisoning. Similar mortalities also recently occurred in Australia where sheep had been starved and then given free access to a luxuriant stand of Cenchrus cilliaris. Vomiting sickness The State veterinarian at Upington reported an outbreak of vomiting sickness in sheep where the vomiting was not caused by poisoning. Some of the affected sheep displayed muscular lesions similar to those of white muscle disease. Small peripheral hemorrhages on the heart valves were fairly common. “Stellenbosch phytosensitivity” Cases of typical “Stellenbosch phytocensitivity” also occurred in the Hermanus and Caledon districts during October and November 1988. This condition was previously limited to the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Malmesbury districts during the months of October and November. 3.8.2 Mineral poisoning Fifty-eight cases of poisoning were reported from all part of the country, and 267 cattle, 394 sheep, 134 pigs, 29 dogs and cats, 39 poultry and 93 wild birds died or were affected. Several dips, dosing remedies and other agro-chemicals were involved. Chlorinated hydrocarbons
22In the Volksrust district a cattle dip was accidentally topped up with a herbicide. This led to the death of 24/250 cattle, and 15 affected cattle recovered after being hosed down with clear water. Copper poisoning Eight farmers in the Rustenburg area lost pigs after using feed with a high copper content. The feed was supplied by a single firm. One of the farmers lost 134 pigs of different ages. Onderstepoort found that the copper levels of samples of the feed involved varied between 48 and 594 part per million (ppm). The accepted copper level in feed is 150 ppm. Other symptoms observed included abortions, still-born piglets, poor growth, lack of appetite, uremia and sporadic deaths. 3.8.3. Fungal toxicosis Fusarium moniliforme In the Amersfoort district 9/20 horses died acutely after developing nerve symptoms. The horses were fed a maize ration which was suspected to have contained spores of Fusarium moniliforme, over a 12-month period. The following symptoms were observed: paralysis of the tongue, listlessness and hypersensitivity, especially to loud noises. The animals eventually became uncontrollable. Post-mortem examination revealed brain lesions typical of F. moniliforme. 3.9 External parasites Thomboculidae mites This unidentified mite causes irritation among sheep and even caused the death of lambs that could not suckle, in the Piet Retief district. The mites occur only in specific areas. It was also observed that Geigeria aspera (the bush causing vomiting sickness) occurs in the areas where the mite cases problems. It has not yet been established whether there is any relationship. General treatment or dipping against mites is unsuccessful, but the mites survive on plant material. Treatment or dipping should therefore be combined with camp rotation. Blowfly attacks The laboratory at Middelburg (Cape) reported two cases where the larvae of secondary sheep blowflies, (Chrysomia albiceps) appeared to be involved in a primary attack. No primary larvae could be found in these cases. Two prosecutions were instituted where cattle heavily infested with ticks were offered for sale at a public auction at Carolina. A fine of R150 or 75 days imprisonment was imposed for one of the offences. 3.10 Deficiency diseases and malnutrition
23Perinatal lamb mortalities The Western Cape Region reported 15 to 20% perinatal mortalities among lambs. The causes appear to be: ♦ Starvation – poor mother – exposure complex ♦ Birth-related problems. In a group of experimental sheep at Elsenburg College of Agriculture, 15 death were result of starvation. 4. REPRODUCTION 4.1 Fertility examinations State veterinarians are gradually becoming less involved in routine pregnancy examinations since private veterinarians actively operate flock/herd health schemes in most areas. There is little feed-back on calving percentage from the private sector, making it impossible to give global figures for pregnancy percentages. Officers are actively involved in State herds/flocks. Seventy four per cent of 27 323 cows examined were pregnant. Forty-two of the 562 bulls examined were culled due to infertility. Seventy-five per cent of the bulls examined were in the Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region. Rams are examined in those regions where sheep are usually kept, and 25 566 rams were examined. In the Western Cape Region, where 9 034 rams were examined, the fertility percentage was 90. Stock inspectors are also actively involved in these examinations. 4.2 Artificial insemination Officers were again involved in the testing, registration and re-registration of bulls of the Taurus AI Co-operative. There are 382 bulls at these stations – 354 dairy breed and 28 beef breed bulls. Al total of 76 new registrations and 337 re-registrations was completed this year. AI courses are dealt with under “Training”. 4.3 Reproduction diseases Vibriosis (Campylobacter foetus) From a total of 12 254 bulls tested country-wide, 1,6% tested positive. In the South-Eastern Transvaal the infection is considerably higher – 1 100 bulls were tested and 8,5% tested positive. Trichomoniasis Of the 12 390 bulls tested country-wide, 6,6% was positive. A survey involving 3 000 bulls was made in Northern Natal. In the Magudu area 85% of the farms tested was positive for Trichomonas foetus and 60% of the farms in the Louwsburg area. In these two areas the percentage of positive bulls was 20 and 24 respectively.
24In the Transvaal Region the percentage of positive bulls is as high as 10,9. Leptosphirosis A leptospirosis survey was made in the Volksrust district and 887 specimens were collected from 45 farms. The results were as follows: Number of farms positive 13 (29%) Number of animals positive 16 (2,5%) Positive reactions were caused by: L.hardjo 31,8% L.pomona 31,8% L.tarasovi 27,2% Lgrippotypyphosea 0,9% A herd examination was carried out in the Northern and Eastern Transvaal Region after a spate of abortions. The examination revealed that 59% of 22 animals reacted positively to L. hardjo, while 23% showed a titre higher than1:280. Further examinations of the herd were negative of other diseases that cause abortions. 5. LABORATORY SERVICES 5.1 Applied research and problem investigations 5.1.1 Foot-and-mouth disease Twenty young buffalo were captured in the Kruger National park and tested for foot-and-mouth disease virus. Virus types SAT 1 and SAT 2 were isolated from 50% of the buffalo. In further trials with impala it was found that they are exceptionally susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease. Antibodies were still present after 11 months. 5.1.2 Corridor disease A cow that was successfully treated against corridor disease and her calf that was artificially infected, were tested to establish a carrier condition. The calf was successfully infected by transfusion of one litre blood from the cow before she was treated. Despite the fact that a few small piros were sporadically observed in blood smears of both animals, it was found impossible to transmit the disease to healthy cattle via ticks. 5.1.3 Branhamella (Moraxella) ovis This organism was isolated from 50% of sheep that displayed severe symptoms of conjunctivitis in the Western Cape Region. Efforts to induce the condition in healthy sheep with isolates of B. oves were unsuccessful. Mycoplasma
25mycoides and M mycoides-like organisms were, however, also isolated from the cases, but isolates of these organisms could also not induce conjunctivitis. The condition could, however, be transmitted from infected to healthy sheep by means of swabs. The exact cause of the problem remains unknown. 5.1.4 Bolo disease The veterinary laboratory at Queenstown continued investigations into the cause of Bolo disease. They succeeded in inducing the disease with only a wild strain of Corynebaterium bovis. In the past the disease was induced with both wild strains and strains that causes mastitis. 5.1.5 Mastitis Several laboratories render diagnostic services in support of mastitis control in dairy herds. Regular examinations are made of 375 herds representing 41 012 cattle to take milk and other samples and to give advice. A total of 120 137 milk samples were collected for somatic cell counts. Staphylococcus aureas and Staph. Epidermidis remain the most common pathogens to be isolated from milk samples in mastitis cases. 5.1.5 Laboratory investigations carried out 5.1.7 Services rendered Clinical services are only rendered too the public where no private veterinarian is available. Clinical services are rendered free of charge to other State departments such as the South African Police, South African Defence Force, Departments of Education, Development Aid, Forestry, Nature Conservation, Prisons etc. Fees are charged in respect of professional fees, vaccine sales, travelling, laboratory costs, quarantine fees, meat inspection services and tuberculosis-infected animals that are slaughtered. Total moneys collected amounted to R4 716 009,39
26TABLE 3. Laboratory examinations 1. Serology
Bovine brucellosis Rose Bengal plate agglutination test Complement fixation test Serum agglutination test Milk ring test Dourine complement fixation test Complement fixation tests for: Leptospirosis Brucella ovis Brucella melitensis Acinobacillus seminis Coxiella burnetti Other complement fixation tests Serum virus neutralisation test Serum gel immuno-diffusion test Hemagglutination-inhibition test Serotyping of cultures
2. Diagnostic smear
FA smears (for Clostridia) Blood smears Spleen smears Brain smears Fecal smears Impression smears Semen smears Control smears (for abattoirs) Lochia smears
3 Bacteriological specimen examination (and number of cultures) Antibiograms 4 Mycological specimens 5 Virological specimens examined 6 Specimens examined for micoplasm/uroplasms 7 Biological tests carried out 8 Histopathological sections examined 9 Reproduction
Semen quality tests (excluding bacteriology) Sheath washes (Vibrosis and Trichomoniasis) Vaginal swabs – all spp. Aborted fetuses – all spp. Placentas examined – all spps. Uteri – all spp.
10 Mastitis Somatic cell counts
11 Biochemical tests 12 Toxicological tests 13 Swab samples tested 14 Hematological tests 15 Fecal specimens examined
Egg counts Larval cultures
16 Identification of internal parasites 17 Identification of external parasites 18 Identification of plants 19 Abattoir by-products: samples tested 20 Abattoir hygiene: bacterial counts 21 Bacterial counts 22 Antibiotic residues: samples tested 23 Vaccines manufactured: doses 24 Antigens prepared: volume (ml) 25 Media prepared: volume (litres) 26 Clinical examinations and the services rendered
Large and small animals 27 Post-mortem examinations:
Poultry Small animals and large animals.
1246227 117372
6051 32297
2491
971 3011 143
2826 -
1072
272 17977 28824
-
1107 3762
39 1276
56 5178
22840 313
1250 135149 14381
242
6601 1570 976
11895
12092 14074 4088 654 165 278
115029 45826 1180 110
10061
12835 486
4694 387 92
176 597
5988 203
51552 6249
121044
18887
6963 4586
27 6. STOCK-INSPECTION SERVICE Greater involvement of stock-inspection personnel in the tuberculosis and brucellosis schemes filled a gap that occurred as a result of the change in the duty sheet of these officers. Outlining objectives and keeping graphs to measure performance led to increased productivity in several regions. Discussions were held to introduce a course to enable officers to qualify themselves as animal health technicians. There is much enthusiasm for such a course which will probably be introduced in 1991. Serious problems are experienced in specific regions, which means that services suffer, especially the reporting of diseases and liaison with and extension to the farmer are neglected. TABLE 4: The duty sheet of stock-inspection personnel Posts Filled Vacant %Vacant Transvaal Northern and Eastern Transvaal Highveld OFS Natal Eastern Cape and Karoo Western Cape
72
80 61 54 68 43 30
59
67 45 53 42 32 29
13
13 16
1 26 11
1
18,0
16,2 26,2
1,8 38,2 25,6
3,3 Total 408 327 81 Average 19,8 7. ANIMAL HEALTH EXTENSION SERVICE Disease prevention enjoys high priority and very real efforts were made to pass on important information to the livestock industry as widely as possible. State veterinarians are closely involved in organised agriculture and other agricultural organisations where they gave 121 lectures on various topics. Better use was also made of the media in that state veterinarians regularly published reports on disease control and the prevention of animal diseases in local newspapers. Officers assisted with the filming of three television programmes, namely rabies, foot-and-mouth disease and bovine malignant catarrh. State veterinarians have recorded radio talks on various topics. State veterinarians compiled 42 information leaflets on different subjects for distribution among farmers. The directorate’s stock-inspection personnel serve as an information channel since they are the people most frequently in direct contact with farmers. In-service training courses for these officers therefore put more emphasis on various aspects concerned with extension. 8. LIAISON There is regular liaison, varying from informal to formal, from stock-inspector level and higher with various institutions. State veterinarians and the Director’s office launched 86 liaison actions with Organised Agriculture, such as the Red Meat Producers Organisation, Pig Producers Association, the poultry industry, trout industry, Wool Board, Meat Board, AI industry and the Dairy Board. At departmental level liaison was maintained and extended with the Department of Justice, the SA Police, SA Defence Force and the Departments of Health,
28Agriculture and Water Supply, Foreign Affairs, Development Aid and Education,. Special mention must be made of officers’ participation in the Joint Management System. There was also good co-operation with the Stock-theft Unit of the SAP in connection with smuggled animals across the border. Personnel of the Director’s office also sit on various advisory committees and the Advisory Council for Animal Production. There is liaison with TBVC and neighbouring countries at state veterinarian and director level. All the TBVC countries, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Botswana were visited. There is also liaison with neighbouring states via SARCCUS. In collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, officers also gave assistance with a comprehensive rabies vaccination campaign in Lesotho, where 89 000 dogs and cats were vaccinated. Three officers separately visited the Comoro Islands, South America, Scandinavian countries and Europe and liaison in respect of imports and exports was maintained with many countries. 9. IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL The Republic annually imports a large variety of animals and animal products from countries throughout the world. To protect the local animal population, these animals and products have to comply with strict standards. To ensure that these requirements are met, imported animals are kept in quarantine stations at Jan Smuts Airport and Cape Town, Durban and Walvis Bay harbours. While they are under quarantine, the animals are subjected to further tests or treatments. The borders of the RSA are regularly patrolled by officers to guard against illegal movementsof animals or products across these boundaries. If such cases are noticed, the animals or products are confiscated and destroyed or slaughtered, or they are returned to their country of origin. Many problems are experience as a result of illegal immigrants who demolish the fence along the Zimbabwean border and with the smuggling of cattle from Botswana. Animals or products destined for export are tested or treated according to the standards laid down by the import country. Health certificates are issued once all the requirements of the import country have been met. Tables 5 to 8 contain the statistics related to the movement of animals or animal products across the borders. 10. TRAINING Twenty-eight stock inspectors were trained during a stock-inspectors’ course held in Pretoria, and 28 stock inspectors at Ermelo to carry out tuberculin tests. Interdepartmental training courses were held where administrative personnel were involved. Computer and administrative course were presented in all the Regions. Six officers attended the middle-level management course and nine the junior management course of the Commission for Administration. Other courses offered by the CFA were attended by 52 officers. The Directorate presented a 2-day workshop at the H.F. Verwoerd Dam. Brucellosis, tuberculosis and sheep scab were discussed in detail and the policy concerning these diseases was revised. Officers also attended the SA Veterinary Association’s biennial congress, the symposium “Animal Health 2000” of the SA
29Veterinary Association, the dairy congress, a workshop on laboratory services, workshops in the Regions and workshops at Onderstepoort. Personnel meetings linked to training are held monthly by state veterinarians and their stock inspectors. Table 5: Animals imported Cattle Sheep Goats Equine
family Pigs Dogs Cats Birds Poul-
try Game Other Total
SWA Venda Ciskei Transkei Bophuthatswana Lesotho Swaziland Botswana Zimbabwe Mozambique Malawi Zaire Zambia
27803 937 38
9167 179
0 3104
0 64 0 0 0 0
37882 0 0 1 9 0
1439 0 0 0 0 0 0
12150 0 0
69 22 0
30 0 0 0 0 0 0
60 0 0
26 0 0
161 4 4 0 0 0 0
0 0 0
54 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
17 0 0 0 0 3 1
18 290
5 0 0 0
0 00 0 0 0 0 2
21 160
0 0 0 0
502 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0
28 00 0 0 0 0
9600 0 0 0 0 0 0
3508 0 0 0
332 0 0 0
166 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 3 0 0
1200 0 0 0 0 0
81950 937 38
9317 545
3 14337 1243 689
5 0 0 0
Total 41292 39331 12271 255 54 334 183 507 9628 4006 1203 109064
Overseas and other
792 187 0 324 3 1098 426 71275
148902
20 475 223502
Grand total 42084 39518 12271 579 579 1432 609 71782 158530
4026 1678 332566
TABLE 6(a) Animal products imported TABLE 6(b) Animal products exported Trophies Skins Mohair Horns Animal feed, meal and supplements Trout ova Semen Embryos Blood and serum SPF eggs Red meat and edible products Poultry and edible products Antigens Antiserum Vaccines Feathers and hair Wool Mild products Pathological samples Dilutions Miscellaneous
1154 8828355 kg 62932 1500 kg 4897 kg 19bags 46990187 kg 16260000 81765 straws 453 6941 ml 16960 1774 kg 6562701 kg 7255 ml 11 ml 1538433653 doses 140044 kg 840928 kg 8110143 kg 128 745 ml 34 items 2034 kg
Eggs Meat -red meat -poultry Stockfeed meal and licks Trophies and ornaments Skins and hides Horns Hair and skins Bile Trout ova Semen Wool Mohair Sausage casings Miscellaneous
133700 27838 kg 150 carcases 2780 kg 70560 kg 18799 3 crates 2482 Kg 564569 10628007 kg 42463 kg 43282 kg 1746 kg 2400000 24 straws 41339759 kg 7287636 kg 53050 bundles 169 barrels 6029
30 TABLE 7. Stray and smuggled animals that entered the country illegally Point of entry Animal
species Products
Number Country of Origin Action Value R
Jan Smuts Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Quarantine Station Thabazimbi Thabazimbi Soutpansberg Ellisras Soutpansberg Missina Ingwavuma Gordonia Kuruman Kuruman Vryburg
Dog Dog Cat Parrot Reptiles Beef Poultry Biltong Cattle Cattle Cattle Cattle Goats Cattle Cattle Sheep Goats Beef Beef
1 1 2 4 338 7kg 9kg 13kg 12 2 1 3 50 11 9 1 10 1 142
Neighbouring state Overseas Neighbouring state Overseas Overseas Overseas Neighbouring state Neighbouring state Botswana Botswana Botswana Botswana Botswana Zimbabwe Mozambique Botswana Botswana Botswana Botswana
Returned Returned Returned All four birds died –SAP invest Confiscated and destroyed Confiscated and destroyed Confiscated and destroyed Confiscated and destroyed Prosecution, but lost case Destroyed Destroyed Confiscated and slaughtered Returned Returned Returned Destroyed Returned Returned Slaughtered –case pending
- - - - - - - - - 1100,00 500,00 2375,00 - - - 50,00 500,00 500,00 76250,00
TABLE 8. Animals exported Cattle Sheep Goats Equine
family Pigs Dogs Cats Birds Poul-try Game Other Total
SWA Venda Ciskei Transkei Bophuthatswana Lesotho Swaziland Botswana Zimbabwe Mozambique Malawi Zaire Zambia
609 3576
50 21271
559 49
776 236 18 7 0 0 0
6137 85 33
46324 2222
16 1762
21 3 0 2 0 1
880 265 51
5972 7
320 6
69 55 0 0 0 0
5 2
34 547 14 4
140 9
61 4 0 0
16
6070 0 0
578 84 0
666 50 0 0 0 0 0
137 0
23 32 0
56 203 103 281 18 46 0 3
39 0 5
12 0
12 21 28 65 5
15 0 0
86 0 0 0 0 0
16 90 87 81 0 0 0
5579 0 0
304306 0
1568 90000 17620
0 67200
0 87700 70000
312 0
59 319
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0
335 0
20 50 4
154 0 0 0 0
19854 3928 255
379377 3205 2045
93640 18640
724 67315
63 87700 70202
Total 27151 56606 7625 836 7448 902 202 360 643973 690 563 746356 Overseas and other
864 0 0 0 0 484 84 607 9500 4 79 11622
Grand total 28015 56606 7625 836 7448 1386 286 967 653473 694 642 757978
Livestock census: RSA
Cattle Sheep White Non-
White Woolled Non-
woolled
Goats Horses Donkeys and
mules
Pigs Dogs
Transvaal OFS Cape Prov Natal
3006568 1757511 1813996 1255713
31724 51258 36196 177486
2919428 5732345 9419908 958410
376154 1017634 5587049 51075
160682 235917 3291215 99016
51390 48365 77716 23766
14823 1634 27015 2251
549604 122187 264203 219748
1406076 182609 453607 176771
Subtotal 7833788 296664 19030091 7031912 3786830 201237 45723 1155742 2219063 Total 8130452 26062003 3786830 201237 45723 1155742 2219063 Training to students is given at the Potchefstroom, Glen, Cedara, Grootfontein and Elsenburg Colleges of Agriculture, State veterinarians gave 674 lectures at these colleges. Officers of the Directorate gave 34 lectures to veterinary students at Onderstepoort and 10 lectures to students at Medunsa. Veterinary students also completed 2 weeks of practical work with various approved State veterinarians and laboratories. State veterinarians were involved in presenting 65 courses on artificial insemination.
31A total of 67 persons were registered as artificial inseminators. The owner-inseminator courses were attended by 517 candidates, 422 of whom completed the cattle course, 77 the sheep course and 18 the combined course. 11. LEGISLATION During the year under review the long-awaited Regulations concerning the Bovine Tuberculosis and Bovine Brucellosis Schemes were promulgated and put into effect. The only amendment to the Regulation of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984), was in respect of the enforcement of compulsory registration with the Director of Animal Health of properties on which buffalo and/or wildebeest occur.
