The Pan African Veterinary Conference was hosted at various locations within the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural Research Council and Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute from 7 October. The conference was aimed at celebrating the centenary of the founding of Onderstepoort, focusing on the impact of animal diseases on food security in and the economic development of Africa.

Speaking to academics and professionals in the veterinary field from all over the globe, President Motlanthe said government has the task to immediately look at ways and means of adopting a co-operative approach to support Onderstepoort management.

“It is in the interests of all of us, especially in the face of adverse global conditions which impact negatively on food security; to work together to ensure that our people do not face the spectre of hunger and starvation,” the President explained. “Already government has, through the strategic plan of Southern Africa, formed partnership with the agricultural sector to realise our vision of increasing food production and ensuring household and national food security. Accordingly, I would like to extend an invitation to the private sector within veterinary field to work together with government towards the delivery of services in this crucial sector.”

The conference was a joint venture of the University of Pretoria, National Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort Biological Products and the South African Veterinary Associaton.

State President Kgalema Motlanthe with UP VC Prof Calie Pistorius

Minister of Agriculture Lulu Xingwana and Prof Pistorius