SA Hunters concluded intensive discussions with the Directorate Animal Health of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to be recognised as an industry organisation whose members may issue permits for the transport of processed wild pig carcasses and meat. This permission was granted in terms of Regulation 20 of the Animal Diseases Act, No 35 van 1984.
Background information about Africa Swine Fever
Control over the transportation of wild pigs (especially warthogs) was introduced in 1935 to restrict the distribution of African Swine Fever, which is a highly contagious and deadly virus that is transferred by the tampan tick to warthogs. They are carriers without getting sick. It is highly contagious and deadly if it breaks out among farmed pigs. It is uncertain if bush pigs and ordinary wild pigs (tame pigs that became feral) and even European bush pigs that escaped from enclosures, are carriers of the virus.
The restriction on the transport of wild pig meat applied to the entire Limpopo Province and adjacent regions of Mpumalanga, Northwest and the northern parts of Kwazulu-Natal. At that time, this region was the natural distribution are of warthogs.
The current restriction on the transportation of wild pig meat requires a veterinary permit to remove processed carcasses and/or meat from warthog and bush pigs from any property or farm in RSA only of the skin, feet, head, intestines and all lymph nodes have been removed from the carcass or meat.
It is general knowledge that the distribution area of warthogs has expanded considerably. Warthogs are now also found in the Eastern Cape, North West, Free State and the Karoo. It increases the risk in the incidence and distribution of Africa Swine Fever. Therefore, it is essential to apply stringent control measures with the transportation of wild pig meat.
Until recently, only state veterinarians and registered members of Wildlife Ranching SA had permission from the Directorate Animal Health to issue permits for the transportation of wild pig meat.
Requirements by the Directorate Animal Health
The agreement between SA Hunters and the Directorate Animal Health authorises the Association as a recognised industry organisation to issue permits to its members that comply with the following criteria:
- A paid-up member of SA Hunters
- Must be an owner or manager of a farm or farm where pigs are hunted.
- The farm or farms where the pigs are to be hunted and the transportation permits issued, must be registered as such in terms of the requirements of the Directorate Animal Health.
- The person issuing the permits must have access to the Internet and SA Hunters member administration system, as well as a printer in order to issue the permits electronically and to make printouts.
- The person must accept in writing all the requirements set out by the Directorate Animal Health.
Electronic Issuing of Permits and Registration of Farms
SA Hunters decided to simplify the issuing of these permits and to enable only electronic dispensing of person to avoid any cost by the members or the hunters. Firstly, it saves money or the member that wants to register his farm to issue permits. Secondly, it simplifies the reporting of issued permits to the Directorate Animal Health.
A step-by-step guide that describes the registration process as well as how to issue permits to to transporters is available here.
Any member who needs help in this regard can contact Boetie Kirchner at (012) 808 9300 or BoetieK@sahunt.co.za.
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African swine fever update 2021-05-21
Step by Step Information Guide for Pigmeat transport permits Feb 2019
