North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Hosts National SAAAHT Conference in Parys

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), through its Veterinary Directorate, is hosting the National Biannual Conference of the South African Association of Animal Health Technicians (SAAAHT) in Parys, North West. The three-day conference brings together Animal Health Technicians from all nine provinces of South Africa to share knowledge, exchange expertise and strengthen collaboration in animal health services. The event provides an important platform for professionals working in animal health to discuss their experiences, explore developments in the sector and strengthen their contribution to protecting animal health. It also highlights the role of professional development and cooperation in improving veterinary services across the country. By bringing together practitioners, government representatives, academic institutions and industry stakeholders, the conference creates opportunities to share practical knowledge and encourage a coordinated approach to animal health management.

The conference reflects the importance of Animal Health Technicians in South Africa’s agricultural sector and rural communities. These professionals contribute to animal disease surveillance, prevention and control, while supporting veterinary services that protect livestock and other animals. Their work is important for maintaining animal welfare, supporting livestock production and helping farmers manage animal health risks. Effective animal health services also contribute to food security and the sustainability of agricultural businesses, particularly in communities that depend on livestock farming for their livelihoods. Through professional gatherings such as the SAAAHT National Biannual Conference, Animal Health Technicians can exchange information about challenges in the field and explore ways to improve service delivery in different provinces.

Day two of the three-day conference officially commenced with an opening address by Mr Depepeneng Serage, Deputy Director-General at the National Department of Agriculture (DoA). His participation highlighted the importance of national leadership and cooperation in advancing animal health services throughout South Africa. The opening address set the tone for a programme focused on professional engagement, knowledge-sharing and collaboration among participants from different areas of the animal health sector. Bringing together representatives from the national and provincial departments of agriculture also provides an opportunity to strengthen communication between institutions responsible for supporting animal health. This cooperation is particularly relevant in addressing animal health challenges that require consistent information-sharing, coordinated responses and ongoing technical development.

The second day’s programme featured presentations from DARD officials and several key stakeholders, including Red Meat Industry Services (RIMS), North-West University (NWU), the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Design Biologix. The participation of these organisations brought together perspectives from government, the red meat industry, higher education and the animal health industry. Such engagement creates opportunities for professionals to learn from different areas of expertise and consider how research, practical experience and industry knowledge can contribute to stronger animal health services. Collaboration between government departments, universities and industry stakeholders can also support the exchange of information and encourage professional learning. The range of participating organisations demonstrated the value of bringing different sectors together to discuss matters affecting animal health and agricultural development.

The involvement of Red Meat Industry Services is particularly relevant to discussions about animal health within the livestock value chain. Healthy livestock are essential to productive farming operations and the supply of safe, quality animal products. Animal health measures, including disease prevention, monitoring and appropriate control strategies, help reduce risks that can affect livestock producers and the broader agricultural economy. Cooperation between animal health professionals and industry stakeholders can strengthen awareness of animal health concerns and support more informed practices across the sector. By creating opportunities for engagement between technical professionals and industry representatives, the conference helps reinforce the connection between effective animal health management and the sustainability of livestock production in South Africa.

The participation of North-West University and the University of South Africa also highlights the role of academic institutions in professional development and knowledge exchange. Universities contribute to the education, training and research that help strengthen technical capacity in fields related to agriculture, veterinary services and animal health. Opportunities for engagement between academics and practising professionals can encourage the sharing of research findings, practical experience and emerging approaches to animal health management. These exchanges are valuable because animal health professionals need to keep their knowledge current as they respond to changing conditions and new challenges in the field. The involvement of Design Biologix further broadened the range of stakeholders represented at the conference, supporting engagement between public institutions, educational organisations and the industry.

Professional development remains an important part of strengthening animal health services in South Africa. Animal Health Technicians work in varied environments and may face different operational challenges depending on the animals, farming systems and communities they serve. Regular opportunities to exchange knowledge can help professionals learn from one another, discuss practical difficulties and identify areas where further training or cooperation may be beneficial. Conferences also provide a setting for participants to build professional relationships that can support communication beyond the event itself. By encouraging continued learning and engagement, the SAAAHT National Biannual Conference supports the broader objective of maintaining capable and responsive animal health services across all nine provinces.

The conference also draws attention to the importance of cooperation between national and provincial government structures. Animal diseases and other animal health concerns can affect farmers, communities, livestock markets and food production, making communication between relevant institutions essential. A coordinated approach helps professionals share information, understand emerging risks and contribute to appropriate responses within their respective responsibilities. Provincial veterinary services play an important role in addressing local animal health needs, while national structures support wider coordination and the development of approaches that apply across the country. Events that bring these professionals together can strengthen working relationships and provide opportunities to discuss ways of improving animal health service delivery.

The second day of the conference concluded successfully, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and continued professional development in advancing animal health services in South Africa. The participation of Animal Health Technicians from all nine provinces, together with government officials, academic institutions and industry stakeholders, provided a valuable opportunity for engagement across the sector. The presentations and discussions formed part of a broader effort to encourage professional cooperation and strengthen the exchange of expertise among those working to protect animal health. While the long-term impact of the conference will depend on how knowledge and professional connections are applied in practice, the gathering highlights the value of bringing relevant stakeholders together. Its focus on collaboration and learning supports ongoing efforts to improve the delivery of animal health services and address challenges affecting livestock and rural communities.

The National Biannual Conference of the South African Association of Animal Health Technicians in Parys demonstrates the importance of investing in professional collaboration and technical development within South Africa’s agricultural sector. Through its Veterinary Directorate, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided a platform for Animal Health Technicians and key stakeholders to exchange knowledge and strengthen professional engagement. The involvement of the National Department of Agriculture, Red Meat Industry Services, North-West University, the University of South Africa and Design Biologix further reflects the value of cooperation across government, academia and industry. As the conference progresses, its central message remains clear: strong animal health services depend on skilled professionals, effective communication and a shared commitment to protecting animal health. Continued collaboration and professional development will remain important in supporting livestock production, rural livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in South Africa.