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South African rural dwellers and small-scale farmers are set to have increased access to primary animal healthcare thanks to the promulgation of new rules allowing Veterinary nurses to open their own facilities.
The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) president, Dr Nandipha Ndudane says the organisation has welcomed the introduction of new rules for the para-veterinary professions.
Ndudane says the rules which came into effect in December 2022 will increase access to animal healthcare in South Africa and promote food safety and security.
She says this will create much-needed new income streams for these professionals.
“It’s time for our AHTs and other para-veterinary professionals to claim their rightful place in the sun."
(A veterinary nurse treats a patient in a facility. Image credit: Freepik)
The veterinary nursing facility will have to be registered with the SAVC and can offer basic animal care (such as beak and nail clipping), undertake catheterisation without sedation, administer medicine prescribed by a vet and vaccinations, lance abscesses and care for wounds, and offer physical rehabilitation.
A recent survey, funded by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority, revealed that many of South Africa’s emerging and small-scale farmers do not use veterinary services at all, notwithstanding owning a third of the country’s cattle and sheep.
Dr Ndudane says this could be a “game-changer” for rural animal healthcare as AHTs will be better equipped to provide training and education to emerging farmers about livestock diseases and how to prevent them.
She says it will allow for AHTs to also offer recuperative and post-operative care to animal patients on their own premises.
“This will hopefully contribute to the health of the national herd by ensuring the integrity of the animal proteins we consume, while always being mindful to avoid the overuse of antimicrobials due to the use of stock remedies in the food chain.”
SAVC Council member Thabiso Mohlabi agrees with Ndudane saying that the move is a bold step to protect rural livelihoods and unlock the economic potential of rural areas.
“The rules essentially allow AHTs to put their ideas into practice, and to actively engage in work that interests them and for which they have been trained.”
Meanwhile, Erika Bornman, who represents the veterinary nursing profession on the SAVC, says this is a very positive development in her profession.
“It is the first time that we can run and own businesses for our own gain, independent of veterinary supervision under certain circumstances.
“The profession can now stand on its own and, with creative collaboration with the veterinary profession and other para-veterinary professions.
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