MAHIKENG – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is ramping up its fight against livestock diseases by equipping animal health technicians with advanced, specialised skills in surveillance, prevention, and control.
The initiative is part of a deliberate move to strengthen the implementation of the North West Brucellosis Reduction Plan.
A cohort of animal health technicians from across the province has just completed a rigorous, two-week accredited Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (BR/TB) training programme. Hosted at North-West University, the course commenced on Monday, 29 June 2026 and concluded Friday, 10 July 2026.
The intensive programme blended theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training. It focused on giving participants the exact competencies required to accurately diagnose and manage both bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in the field.
Beyond upgrading field skills, the course serves a critical legal purpose. It is a statutory requirement for any animal health technician authorised to conduct tuberculosis and brucellosis diagnostic testing in cattle herds. By funding this training, DARD ensures its veterinary services remain fully compliant with professional and national regulatory requirements.
The broader objectives of the training include:
- Protecting livestock from debilitating agricultural diseases.
- Safeguarding public health by preventing zoonotic disease transmission to humans.
- Supporting economic growth by maintaining disease-free herds for trade.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, emphasised that building a highly skilled workforce is vital for tackling modern animal health challenges.
“Investing in the development of our animal health technicians is an investment in the future of animal health, food safety, and agricultural growth in our province,” Sambatha stated.
“Through this training, we are strengthening the capacity of our veterinary services to provide farmers with the quality support they need while ensuring effective disease prevention and control.”
The training initiative reflects a broader commitment by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to safeguard public health and boost the rural economy. By focusing on frontline animal health officials, the programme directly addresses the challenges of rural farming communities, where livestock health is deeply tied to human well-being and local commerce.
Department officials emphasized that managing zoonotic diseases requires continuous education to keep pace with evolving epidemiological trends. The practical modules of the workshop provided technicians with hands-on diagnostic strategies, modern reporting protocols, and community engagement techniques designed to build trust with local livestock owners.
Moving forward, the department plans to roll out similar specialized training modules across all districts in the province. With better-equipped technicians on the ground, the provincial government aims to significantly lower infection rates, secure agricultural trade routes, and foster a more resilient livestock sector.
