New hygiene standards could 'kill' S/Phikwe abattoir

If that happened, it would spell disaster for Selebi-Phikwe, which falls under Zone 7 where the movement of cloven hoofed animals and meat is restricted as a precaution against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).  Dr Kerapetse Sehularo of the Meat Hygiene and Quality Control Division in the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) told the Selebi-Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) meeting this week that the local abattoir faces closure if it does not address its shortcomings.

Sehularo said the Francistown abattoir is in a similar situation and has been given three months' extension on its temporary permit to address areas of concern identified by DVS.  He said council abattoirs were given one year's temporary permits when the law came into effect to afford the local authorities time to comply.