Veterinary officers sensitised on beef export

Officers from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Northwestern Province have undergone sensitisation on beef export. Speaking during the meeting in Solwezi, Beef Export Specialist Linous Munsimbwe said the aim is to encourage farmers in the province to participate in exporting beef to international markets. Munsimbwe explained that to meet the one billion beef export target, animal disease-free compartments must be established by applying principles that ensure beef meets high standards.

“As per direction of the President Hakainde Hichilema we need to achieve the target of exporting one billion US dollars’ worth of beef,” he said. Meanwhile, Livestock Production Specialist Ann Kantanga clarified that exports will not include female or young animals. And Provincial Veterinary Officer Peter Banda encouraged continued sensitisation, noting that the compartments bring benefits even to local veterinary services.

Research Scientist Iless Phiri from the Veterinary Services Department added that officers are aware of operational standards required under the project. She said the meeting has raised awareness of laboratory requirements to ensure animals destined for export are disease-free. “This meeting also has brought up awareness what the lab is supposed to do and how it is supposed to be up the standard so that we can be able to test these animals which will be for beef export and ensure that they are disease free,” Ms. Phiri said.