Mahikeng: The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is ramping up efforts to implement the provincial Brucellosis Reduction Plan by providing Animal Health Technicians with specialised training in disease surveillance, prevention, and control.

According to South African Government News Agency, Animal Health Technicians from across North West province are currently undergoing an accredited Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (BR/TB) Training Programme at North-West University. The two-week initiative, running from 29 June to 10 July 2026, offers both theoretical and practical training aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills to diagnose and manage bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis.

The objective of this training is to bolster the Veterinary Services' capability to protect livestock, ensure public health safety, and enhance disease control throughout the province. North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, emphasized that the course is a statutory requirement for technicians authorized to conduct diagnostic testing for tuberculosis and brucellosis in cattle herds.

Sambatha noted that by investing in this specialized training, the department is not only enhancing technical capabilities within Veterinary Services but also ensuring adherence to professional and regulatory standards. "The programme reflects the department's commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of responding effectively to animal health challenges," he stated.

Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the opportunity to expand their expertise. Gomolemo Malau from the Moses Kotane Veterinary Office highlighted that the training would enhance the quality of services offered to farmers. Similarly, Keitsile Isaac Mosimane from the Naledi Veterinary Office expressed his intent to deepen his understanding of animal diseases, particularly brucellosis, to better support local farmers.

Brucellosis and tuberculosis are zoonotic diseases with the potential to be transmitted from animals to humans, underscoring the crucial role trained Animal Health Technicians play in protecting public health, promoting food safety, and sustaining the livestock industry. This training is a key component of the North West Brucellosis Reduction Plan, aiming to decrease the disease's prevalence through improved surveillance, testing, vaccination, and disease management practices.