Latest News & Developments
animal disease
The looming crisis: Foot-and-mouth disease and avian flu's impact on South African meat prices
As South Africa grapples with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza, the meat industry faces unprecedented challenges, threatening supply chains and pushing prices for essential products to new heights.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak leads Cape Town butcher to warn of beef shortage
Good Hope Meat Hyper in Cape Town has issued a warning about a potential beef shortage following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak at Karan Beef's feedlot.
Cape Town butchery alerts customers to potential beef shortage amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak
Good Hope Meat Hyper warns of a potential beef shortage due to a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak at Karan Beef's Heidelberg feedlot, urging customers to shop responsibly and remain patient as the situation develops.
Progress in combating foot-and-mouth disease in KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reports progress in managing foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, with over 500,000 cattle vaccinated and ongoing awareness campaigns for livestock farmers.
Rabies still a serious public health threat in South Africa, new study finds
A recent study by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) underscores the urgent need for increased rabies awareness and prevention efforts in South Africa, revealing alarming statistics and recommendations for public health
World Health Assembly adopts landmark Pandemic Agreement, embracing One Health approach
In a landmark decision, the World Health Assembly has adopted the Pandemic Agreement, marking the first time the One Health approach has been enshrined in a legally binding framework. FOUR PAWS calls for swift implementation to prevent future pandemics.
Addressing SA’s foot-and-mouth disease: The need for strategic vaccination and traceability
South Africa faces significant challenges in combating foot-and-mouth disease, with the Freedom Front Plus calling for improved traceability, strategic vaccination, and domestic vaccine production to mitigate economic impacts on farmers.
NSPCA lawyer says lack of transparency led to collapse of Daybreak
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg became the focal point for an urgent and distressing animal welfare matter on Tuesday, as judgment in the case between the National Council of SPCA (NSPCA) and Daybreak Farms was reserved.
Judgment reserved in NSPCA versus Daybreak Farms animal cruelty case
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg became the focal point for an urgent and distressing animal welfare matter on Tuesday, as judgment in the case between the National Council of SPCA (NSPCA) and Daybreak Farms was reserved.
China suspends imports of cloven hoofed animals due to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in SA
Following the recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in South Africa, China has suspended imports of cloven hoofed animals and related products.
China suspends imports of cloven hoofed animals due to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in SA
Following the recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in South Africa, China has suspended imports of cloven hoofed animals and related products.
Unprecedented rabies outbreak threatens Cape fur seal population and marine ecosystem
In an unprecedented development, rabies has become endemic in Cape fur seals - the first documented case in marine mammals worldwide. While Animal Survival International warns of a potential cross-species marine pandemic, the DFFE is implementing surveillance protocols and trial vaccinations to manage the outbreak. Officials urge public awareness and caution when encountering seals along South African coastlines.
Understanding the impact of Bovine Tuberculosis on lion populations in Kruger National Park
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, reassures that Bovine Tuberculosis does not significantly threaten lion populations in Kruger National Park.
Millions of commercial birds at risk as Avian flu threatens South Africa—NSPCA urges government to act
NSPCA warns that South Africa is on the brink of an Avian Influenza crisis, threatening the poultry industry and wild bird populations.
WATCH: Instagram sensation Peanut the Squirrel put down by New York authorities
New Yorker Mark Longo rescued Peanut as a baby after witnessing the death of his mother on the road.
WATCH: Instagram sensation Peanut the Squirrel put down by NY authorities
New Yorker Mark Longo rescued Peanut as a baby after witnessing the death of his mother on the road.
PICS: Over 60 cats, eight rabbits seized from unregistered animal rescue in Cape Town
This seizure by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA comes after a warrant was issued by the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court for Kitty Rescue Care & Rehome in Ruytewacht after it concealed the animals from inspector visits.
What is the ‘Bullycat’ trend and why are UK animal welfare groups concerned?
Bullycats, characterised by their exaggerated appearance with wrinkled skin and deformed legs, are becoming increasingly popular online, raising alarm about their health and welfare.
Meet Max the Cat, the gangster feline who has become a TikTok sensation
What happens when you put a GoPro on your cat and follow his daily routine?
PICS: Dog on death’s door to make full recovery
Jack, a dog that spent his life chained-up, was found full of parasites, underweight, and the chain around his neck had grown into his skin.
PICS: Police officer faces criminal charges for animal abuse, SPCA removes dogs
The male Boerboel, a breed that typically weighs around 55kg, was admitted to the SPCA’s animal hospital weighing a mere 30kg.
eThekwini Municipality urges pet vaccination after toddler dies from rabid dog
eThekwini Municipality is urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a toddler died days after playing with a rabid dog.
Call for temporary ban on livestock movement in Western Cape to curb Foot and Mouth Disease spread
The red meat industry contributes more than R70 billion to the country’s economy each year and employs over 600,000 people.
SANCCOB unveils new education and visitor centre in Cape Town
SANCCOB's new education and visitor centre is designed to boost environmental education and sea bird conservation in Cape Town.
German town plans to cull its problem pigeons
A German town’s controversial decision to cull pigeons has sparked a heated debate about humane wildlife management and the effectiveness of such measures.