The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Provincial Veterinary Laboratory has been approved by the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) for continuing testing of controlled diseases such as brucellosis, anthrax and sheep scab.
This after DAFF carried the audit cycle to the Northern Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (NCPVL) in April 2018. DAFF and the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) have a shared responsibility to ensure that veterinary laboratories carry out their activities in such a way that the needs of the customers and regulatory requirements are met.
The NCPVL is set out to maintain the quality and confidence in the results generated by the lab and continues to offer services to various communities within and the neighbouring Provinces such as North West and Free State.
DAFF is the enforcer of the Veterinary and Para-veterinary Profession Act, the Animal Diseases Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act in laboratories. Whilst SANAS is the only national body responsible for carrying out accreditations in respect of conformity assessment - as mandated through the Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Practice Act.
The approval by DAFF and accreditation by SANAS means that the results from the lab or certificates issued will be accepted internationally, therefore there will be no need to re-test the samples or products if they cross the South African Borders to other countries. The next DAFF accreditation cycle is due in 2020.
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell 066 303 8177
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www.agrinc.gov.za